189th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 189th New York Infantry (One Year’s Service) was an infantry regiment organized at Elmira, New York, during August and September 1864. The regiment was recruited from the counties of Allegany, Steuben, Madison, Oneida, and Oswego. It served in the Union Army, primarily in the Eastern Theater, and was attached to the V Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment’s service was notable for its participation in the closing campaigns of the Civil War, including the final operations against Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign.

Organization & Service

The 189th New York Infantry was organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered into United States service during August and September 1864 for a term of one year. Four companies (A, C, G, and H) were originally recruited for the 175th New York Infantry but were reassigned to the 189th. Upon reaching the front, Company K was transferred to the 15th New York Engineers and replaced by a new company in December 1864.

The regiment left New York by detachments on September 18 and October 23, 1864, joining the V Corps before Petersburg shortly after the first Battle of Hatcher’s Run. It was assigned to Gregory’s Brigade, Griffin’s Division. The 189th participated in the Hicksford Raid and was actively engaged in the second Battle of Hatcher’s Run, where Colonel Allen L. Burr commanded the brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Joseph G. Townsend led the regiment. The unit suffered 2 killed and 13 wounded in this engagement. During the final campaign, the regiment was engaged at White Oak Ridge and Five Forks, with casualties totaling 22 killed and wounded. The 189th was present at the fall of Petersburg and at Appomattox Court House for the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. Colonel Burr was ill during the final campaign, and Lieutenant Colonel Townsend commanded the regiment. The regiment was mustered out and honorably discharged on June 1, 1865, at Washington, D.C., under Colonel Burr’s command.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Hicksford Raid (December 1864)
• Second Battle of Hatcher’s Run (February 1865)
• White Oak Ridge (March–April 1865)
• Battle of Five Forks (April 1, 1865)
• Fall of Petersburg (April 2, 1865)
• Appomattox Campaign and Surrender (April 1865)

Casualties

• Killed and mortally wounded: 1 officer, 8 enlisted men
• Died of disease and other causes: 1 officer, 70 enlisted men
• Total deaths: 80

The only commissioned officer killed was Captain Rice, who fell before Petersburg on January 11, 1865.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William W. Hayt
• Colonel Allen L. Burr
• Lieutenant Colonel Allen L. Burr
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph G. Townsend
• Major Joseph G. Townsend
• Major William H. Withey
• Captain Rice (killed January 11, 1865)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 189th New York Infantry (One Year’s Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and research purposes. The roster provides details on company assignments, ranks, and service records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 189th New York Infantry (One Year’s Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. XLVI, Part 1
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., 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