153rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 153rd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Fonda, New York, and mustered into United States service on October 18, 1862, for a term of three years. The regiment was recruited from the counties of Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, Clinton, Essex, and Warren. Serving in the Union Army, the 153rd New York operated in both the Eastern and Western Theaters, with notable service in the Department of Washington, the Department of the Gulf, and the Shenandoah Valley.

The regiment is recognized for its participation in the Red River Campaign, its actions during the Shenandoah Valley Campaigns of 1864, and for its presence at the Grand Review in Washington, D.C. in May 1865. The 153rd New York Infantry was mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, on October 2, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 153rd New York Infantry was organized at Fonda, New York, and mustered into service on October 18, 1862. The same day, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., where it was initially stationed at Alexandria, Virginia, serving as provost guard. Throughout most of 1863, the regiment performed garrison and guard duties in and around the nation’s capital.

In early 1864, the regiment was transferred to the Department of the Gulf and assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st (Emory’s) Division, 19th Army Corps. The 153rd New York participated in the Red River Campaign, suffering significant losses at the Battle of Pleasant Hill and also engaging at Mansura. The regiment received commendation from its commanding general for its conduct in these actions.

In July 1864, the regiment returned to Virginia with the 1st and 2nd Divisions of the 19th Corps. Upon arrival at Washington, it was ordered into Maryland to confront Confederate forces under General Early. Subsequently, the regiment served with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, participating in the battles of Opequon (Third Winchester), Fisher’s Hill, Strasburg, and Cedar Creek, as well as numerous skirmishes. The regiment sustained notable casualties at Opequon and Cedar Creek.

The 153rd New York remained on duty in the Shenandoah Valley until April 1865, after which it moved with Dwight’s Division to Washington, D.C., and took part in the Grand Review in May. In July 1865, the regiment sailed for Savannah, Georgia, where it remained on duty until mustering out on October 2, 1865, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George H. McLaughlin. Colonel Edwin P. Davis was brevetted brigadier-general for meritorious service.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Garrison and provost duty, Alexandria and Washington, D.C. (1862–1863)
• Red River Campaign (1864)
• Battle of Pleasant Hill
• Battle of Mansura
• Operations in Maryland against Early (July 1864)
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (1864)
• Battle of Opequon (Third Winchester)
• Battle of Fisher’s Hill
• Battle of Strasburg
• Battle of Cedar Creek
• Grand Review, Washington, D.C. (May 1865)
• Post-war duty, Savannah, Georgia (July–October 1865)

Casualties

• Killed and died of wounds: 1 officer, 40 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 160 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 202

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Duncan McMartin
• Colonel Edwin P. Davis (brevetted Brigadier General)
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas A. Armstrong
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. Printup
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Strain
• Lieutenant Colonel George H. McLaughlin (commanded at mustering out)
• Major Edwin P. Davis
• Major Alexander Strain
• Major Stephen Simmons
• Major Jacob C. Klock
• Major George H. McLaughlin
• Major C. F. Putnam
• Major Abram V. Davis

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 153rd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 153rd New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes XXVI, XXXIV, XXXVII, XXXIX, XLIII
• 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