122nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 122nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, and mustered into United States service for three years on August 28, 1862. Serving with the Union Army in the Eastern Theater, the regiment was attached primarily to the 6th Corps and participated in many of the major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac and the Shenandoah Valley.

The regiment was composed largely of men from Onondaga County and quickly saw action after leaving New York. It is notable for its participation in key engagements such as Antietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and the final Appomattox Campaign. The 122nd New York sustained significant casualties throughout its service and was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on June 23, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 122nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at Syracuse and mustered into service on August 28, 1862. The regiment departed New York three days later and was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Corps. Its first experience under fire occurred at the Battle of Antietam, though it did not suffer losses there. The regiment was next engaged at Fredericksburg in December 1862, where it sustained a small number of wounded.

In May 1863, the regiment participated in the assault on Marye’s Heights during the Chancellorsville Campaign, advancing with Newton’s and Howe’s divisions. At Gettysburg in July 1863, the 122nd New York served in Shaler’s Brigade, supporting the 12th Corps and incurring 44 casualties. The regiment was engaged at Rappahannock Station in November 1863, losing 13 men, and took part in the Mine Run Campaign later that month.

During January and February 1864, the regiment was stationed on Johnson’s Island in Lake Erie, returning to the Army of the Potomac in March. Shaler’s Brigade, now part of Wright’s (1st) Division, saw the 122nd New York in heavy fighting at the Wilderness in May 1864, where it lost 119 men. The regiment continued to see action at Spotsylvania (24 casualties) and Cold Harbor (67 casualties).

After participating in the early assaults on Petersburg in June 1864, the regiment moved with the 6th Corps to Washington, D.C., during Early’s raid. It was engaged at Fort Stevens and joined the pursuit of Early into Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, fighting at Charlestown, Opequon, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek. Losses from July 12 to October 20, 1864, totaled 110 men. The regiment returned to the Petersburg trenches in December and remained there through the winter, participating in the defense during the attack on Fort Stedman in March 1865 (16 casualties).

The 122nd New York concluded its service with the Appomattox Campaign, being present at the final assault on Petersburg and at Sailor’s Creek, its last battle. The regiment was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on June 23, 1865, under the command of Colonel Horace H. Walpole.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Marye’s Heights (Chancellorsville Campaign)
• Gettysburg
• Rappahannock Station
• Mine Run Campaign
• The Wilderness
• Spotsylvania
• Cold Harbor
• Early Assaults on Petersburg
• Defense of Washington (Fort Stevens)
• Charlestown
• Opequon (Third Winchester)
• Fisher’s Hill
• Cedar Creek
• Siege of Petersburg (including Fort Stedman)
• Appomattox Campaign (including final assault on Petersburg and Sailor’s Creek)

Casualties

During its service, the 122nd New York Infantry lost:

• 6 officers and 86 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded
• 3 officers and 85 enlisted men died of disease and other causes
• Total deaths: 180

These figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Silas Titus
• Colonel Augustus W. Dwight (killed at Fort Stedman)
• Colonel Horace H. Walpole
• Lieutenant Colonel Augustus W. Dwight
• Lieutenant Colonel Horace H. Walpole
• Lieutenant Colonel James M. Gere
• Major Joshua B. Davis
• Major Jabez M. Brower (killed at Cedar Creek)
• Major Alonzo H. Clapp
• Major Morton B. Marke

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 122nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 122nd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 2