188th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 188th New York Infantry (One Year’s Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York State during the final year of the Civil War. Composed primarily of recruits from Monroe, Ontario, Livingston, Yates, and Steuben counties, the regiment mustered into United States service at Rochester between October 4 and October 22, 1864, with Company A mustered at Elmira on September 24. The regiment served in the Union Army, primarily in the Army of the Potomac’s 5th Corps, and participated in several major engagements during the closing campaigns of the war.

The 188th New York Infantry was notable for its rapid organization and immediate deployment to the front lines before Petersburg, Virginia. Despite its short period of service, the regiment saw significant combat and suffered considerable losses before being mustered out at Washington, D.C., on July 1, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 188th New York Infantry was organized at Rochester, New York, with most companies mustered in between October 4 and October 22, 1864. Company A was mustered at Elmira on September 24, and Company K joined the regiment in November 1864. Under the command of Major Christopher C. Davis, the regiment left New York on October 13, 1864, and proceeded directly to the Army of the Potomac’s lines before Petersburg, Virginia.

Upon arrival, the regiment was assigned to Gregory’s Brigade, Griffin’s Division, 5th Army Corps. The 188th New York saw its first major action at the Battle of Hatcher’s Run in October 1864, where it sustained casualties. In December, the regiment participated in the Hicksford Raid, a Union operation targeting Confederate supply lines. In February 1865, the regiment was again engaged at Hatcher’s Run, suffering additional losses.

During the Appomattox Campaign in the spring of 1865, the 188th New York fought at White Oak Ridge, Gravelly Run, and Five Forks, with aggregate casualties of 45 killed and wounded. The regiment also took part in the final assault on Petersburg and was present at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, at the surrender of General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. The regiment was mustered out of service under Colonel John E. McMahon at Washington, D.C., on July 1, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Hatcher’s Run (October 1864)
• Hicksford Raid (December 1864)
• Hatcher’s Run (February 1865)
• White Oak Ridge (March–April 1865)
• Gravelly Run (March–April 1865)
• Five Forks (April 1865)
• Final Assault on Petersburg (April 1865)
• Appomattox Court House (April 9, 1865)

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 1 officer, 36 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 53 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 90

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John E. McMahon
• Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Doolittle
• Major Christopher C. Davis

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 188th New York Infantry (One Year’s Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 188th New York Infantry Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XLII, XLVI
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)