3RD NEW YORK

• Early Origins: The 3rd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment was first organized in April 1861 in Albany, New York, at the outbreak of the American Civil War. • Three Months and Three Years: The regiment initially served a three-month enlistment but was reorganized for a three-year term, seeing extensive action throughout the war. • First Battle Experience: The unit's first significant engagement was at the Battle of Big Bethel, one of the earliest land battles of the Civil War, on June 10, 1861. • Peninsula Campaign: The 3rd New York played a key role in the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, participating in battles such as Yorktown and Seven Pines. • Antietam and Fredericksburg: The regiment was present at the Battle of Antietam (the bloodiest single-day battle in American history) and later at the Battle of Fredericksburg. • Fort Wagner Assault: The 3rd New York took part in the sieges and assaults on Fort Wagner, which later became famous for the charge of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. • Casualties and Sacrifice: Over its service, the regiment lost a total of 147 men: 2 officers and 39 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, and 4 officers and 102 enlisted men died of disease. • Commanders: Notable commanders included Colonel Frederick Townsend and Colonel Samuel M. Alford, who led the regiment through critical battles. • Distinctive Uniforms: Early in the war, the 3rd New York was known for its distinctive gray uniforms, which sometimes led to confusion on the battlefield. • Muster Out: The regiment was mustered out of service on August 28, 1865, after participating in occupation duty in North Carolina following the war’s end.