152nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 152nd New York Infantry (Union) was an infantry regiment organized in Mohawk, New York, and mustered into United States service on October 15, 1862. Composed primarily of recruits from Herkimer and Mohawk counties, the regiment served in the Eastern Theater throughout the Civil War. The 152nd New York participated in several major campaigns and was noted for its service in both defensive and offensive operations, including the defense of Suffolk and the final campaigns leading to the surrender at Appomattox.

This regiment was part of the Union Army and is distinct for its involvement in key battles of the Army of the Potomac. Private John Weeks of this regiment received the Medal of Honor for gallantry during service.

Organization & Service

The 152nd New York Infantry was organized at Mohawk, New York, and mustered into service on October 15, 1862. The regiment departed for the field on October 25, 1862, and was initially stationed in the defenses of Washington, D.C., where it remained until April 1863. In April, the regiment was ordered to Suffolk, Virginia, and assigned to Terry’s Brigade, Corcoran’s Division, 7th Corps. The unit participated in the defense of Suffolk during the Confederate siege.

Following its service at Suffolk, the regiment served under General Keyes on the Virginia Peninsula. In July 1863, the 152nd was ordered to New York City to assist during the draft riots, remaining there until October. Afterward, the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac and was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd (Webb’s) Division, 2nd Corps. The 152nd New York took part in the Mine Run Campaign, engaging at Robertson’s Tavern in late 1863.

During the Overland Campaign of 1864, the regiment served in Gibbon’s Division, 2nd Corps, and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, and Cold Harbor. The regiment was also engaged in the first assault on Petersburg, the Weldon Railroad, Strawberry Plains, Reams’ Station, and the Boydton Plank Road. Its last major engagement was at Farmville, Virginia, two days before the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. The 152nd New York was mustered out near Washington, D.C., on June 13, 1865, under the command of Colonel James E. Curtis, returning home with only 256 men remaining from its original strength.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1862–1863)
• Siege of Suffolk (April–May 1863)
• Peninsula operations under General Keyes (1863)
• New York City Draft Riots (July–October 1863)
• Mine Run Campaign, including Robertson’s Tavern (November–December 1863)
• Wilderness Campaign (May 1864)
• Spotsylvania Court House
• North Anna River
• Cold Harbor
• First Assault on Petersburg
• Weldon Railroad
• Strawberry Plains
• Reams’ Station
• Boydton Plank Road
• Farmville (April 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 4 officers, 68 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 91 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 166
• Total losses in campaign (killed, wounded, missing): 303

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Leonard Boyer
• Colonel Alonzo Ferguson
• Colonel George W. Thompson
• Colonel James E. Curtis
• Lieutenant Colonel Alonzo Ferguson
• Lieutenant Colonel George W. Thompson
• Lieutenant Colonel Timothy O’Brien
• Lieutenant Colonel James E. Curtis
• Lieutenant Colonel Edmund G. Gilbert
• Major George R. Spaulding
• Major Timothy O’Brien
• Major James E. Curtis
• Major Edmund C. Gilbert
• Major Charles H. Dygert

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 152nd New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men who served during its term, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 152nd New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• 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