Overview
The 177th New York Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in Albany, New York, during the Civil War. Composed primarily of men from the 10th National Guard, the regiment volunteered for nine months’ service and was mustered into United States service on November 21, 1862. Serving in the Union Army, the 177th New York operated chiefly in the Department of the Gulf, participating in operations in Louisiana.
This regiment is distinct from any other New York infantry units with different service terms.
Organization & Service
The 177th New York Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) was organized at Albany, New York, with its ranks filled by volunteers from Albany and the surrounding area. The regiment mustered in for nine months on November 21, 1862, under Colonel Ira W. Ainsworth. After organizing, the unit departed New York on December 16, 1862, for New Orleans, Louisiana.
Upon arrival in the Department of the Gulf, the regiment was assigned to the 3rd Brigade of Sherman’s Division, which later became the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 19th Army Corps. The 177th New York participated in several skirmishes, including actions at McGill’s Ferry, Pontchatoula, Civiques Ferry, and the Amite River. The regiment was actively engaged during the siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana, and took part in the general assault on May 27, 1863. After the expiration of its service term, the regiment returned to New York and was mustered out at Albany on September 24, 1863.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Skirmish at McGill’s Ferry, Louisiana
- Skirmish at Pontchatoula, Louisiana
- Skirmish at Civiques Ferry, Louisiana
- Skirmish at Amite River, Louisiana
- Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana (including assault of May 27, 1863)
Casualties
During its service, the 177th New York Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) lost 2 officers and 6 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded. An additional 3 officers and 149 enlisted men died of disease and other causes. The regiment’s total losses were 160 men.
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Ira W. Ainsworth
- Lieutenant Colonel Frank Chamberlain
- Lieutenant Colonel David M. Woodhall
- Major David M. Woodhall
- Major Charles E. Davis
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 177th New York Infantry (Nine Months’ 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 177th New York Infantry (Nine Months’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XV, XXVI
- 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