VetFriends Members: 3,064,780

 

History of 3RD NEW YORK

The 3rd New York Infantry Regiment was organized in 1861 and served throughout the American Civil War as part of the Union Army. The unit participated in numerous campaigns, including the Peninsula Campaign and the Siege of Suffolk. It saw action in battles such as Antietam and Fredericksburg, earning a reputation for discipline and resilience. The regiment mustered out in 1863, having played a significant role in several key engagements in the Eastern Theater.

Members

ABOUT 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.

Navy Best Sellers