174th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 174th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York City during the Civil War. Raised under the auspices of the Metropolitan Police, it was also known as the 5th National Guard. The regiment mustered into United States service at Riker’s Island on November 13, 1862, for a three-year term, serving in the Union Army’s Department of the Gulf. The 174th New York participated primarily in operations in Louisiana and was noted for its involvement in the siege of Port Hudson and the engagement at Cox’s Plantation.

Organization & Service

The 174th New York Infantry was recruited in New York City and organized at Riker’s Island. The regiment mustered into federal service on November 13, 1862, for three years. Shortly after organization, the unit departed New York on December 7, 1862, and sailed to Louisiana. Upon arrival, it was assigned to the 2nd Brigade of Emory’s Division in the Department of the Gulf.

During the preliminary operations against Port Hudson, the regiment was attached to the 3rd Brigade, Augur’s Division, 19th Army Corps. It participated in skirmishes along the Clinton plank road and was engaged at Plains Store. The 174th New York then took part in the siege of Port Hudson, where it sustained casualties in the prolonged operations. Following the surrender of Port Hudson, the regiment was heavily engaged at Cox’s Plantation under the command of Major George Keating, suffering the heaviest losses of any regiment in that action. The remainder of 1863 was spent on post and garrison duty at Baton Rouge. On February 8, 1864, the regiment was consolidated with the 162nd New York Infantry, ceasing to exist as a separate organization.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Operations against Port Hudson, Louisiana (1863)
• Skirmish on Clinton plank road
• Battle of Plains Store
• Siege of Port Hudson
• Engagement at Cox’s Plantation
• Post and garrison duty at Baton Rouge

Casualties

During its independent service, the 174th New York Infantry lost 1 officer and 22 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded. An additional 1 officer and 59 enlisted men died from disease and other causes. The total deaths reported for the regiment were 83.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Theodore W. Parmelee
• Colonel Benjamin F. Gott
• Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin F. Gott
• Lieutenant Colonel James M. Vanderburgh
• Major Stephen D. Beekman
• Major George Keating (commanded at Cox’s Plantation)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 174th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for members of the regiment during its period of service.

To view the complete roster, visit the 174th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XXVI, Part I–III
• 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