150th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 150th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment raised primarily from Dutchess County, New York. Organized at Poughkeepsie, it was mustered into United States service on October 11, 1862, for a three-year term. The regiment served in the Union Army, participating in major campaigns in the Eastern and Western Theaters, and was noted for its discipline and performance in several significant battles.

The 150th New York was composed of men considered to be of excellent material. It was initially assigned to garrison and guard duty before joining active campaigning with the Army of the Potomac and later the Army of the Cumberland. The regiment mustered out of service in Washington, D.C., on June 8, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 150th New York Infantry was organized at Poughkeepsie, New York, and mustered into service on October 11, 1862. Shortly after organization, the regiment departed New York for Baltimore, Maryland, where it performed garrison and guard duty until July 1863. During this period, in December 1863, a portion of the disbanded 145th New York Volunteers was transferred into the 150th.

In July 1863, the regiment was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 1st (Williams’) Division, 12th Corps, Army of the Potomac, and marched to the field of Gettysburg, where it saw its first combat. Following Gettysburg, the regiment moved with the 12th Corps to Tennessee in September 1863, joining the Army of the Cumberland and serving along the railroad between Murfreesboro and Bridgeport.

In April 1864, the 12th Corps was redesignated as the 20th Corps. The 150th New York, remaining in the same brigade and division, participated in the Atlanta Campaign from May 1864, engaging in battles at Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, and the siege of Atlanta. The regiment suffered significant casualties during this campaign.

On November 15, 1864, the regiment joined Sherman’s March to the Sea, participating in the siege of Savannah in December. In early 1865, the 150th New York took part in the Carolinas Campaign, fighting at Averasboro and Bentonville. After the close of the campaign, the regiment marched to Washington, D.C., participated in the Grand Review, and was mustered out on June 8, 1865, under Colonel Alfred B. Smith. Both Colonels John H. Ketcham and Alfred B. Smith were promoted to brevet brigadier-general, with Ketcham later advanced to major-general.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison and guard duty at Baltimore (October 1862 – July 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863)
• Railroad guard duty between Murfreesboro and Bridgeport (Fall 1863 – Spring 1864)
• Atlanta Campaign: Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Siege of Atlanta (May – September 1864)
• Sherman’s March to the Sea (November – December 1864)
• Siege of Savannah (December 1864)
• Carolinas Campaign: Averasboro, Bentonville (March 1865)
• Grand Review, Washington, D.C. (May 1865)

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 2 officers, 49 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 3 officers, 78 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 132

Figures are based on regimental and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John H. Ketcham (brevet brigadier-general, later major-general)
• Colonel Alfred B. Smith (brevet brigadier-general)
• Lieutenant Colonel Charles G. Bartlett
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph H. Cogswell
• Major Alfred B. Smith
• Major Joseph H. Cogswell
• Major Henry A. Gildersleeve

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 150th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 150th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 27, 28, 38, 44, 47
• 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, Vol. 2