The 16th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, also known as the "1st Brooklyn Regiment" or "Brooklyn Regiment," was a volunteer infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was organized on May 15, 1861, at Brooklyn, New York, and was mustered into service for a term of two years.
Organization and Training
The 16th New York Infantry was recruited primarily from the city of Brooklyn, with companies organized from different neighborhoods and social clubs. The regiment was composed of ten companies, each with a unique character and history. The companies were designated as follows: Company A, “Brooklyn Rifles”; Company B, “Brooklyn Zouaves”; Company C, “National Guard”; Company D, “Brooklyn Light Guard”; Company E, “Brooklyn City Guard”; Company F, “Brooklyn Volunteers”; Company G, “Brooklyn Hussars”; Company H, “Brooklyn Riflemen”; Company I, “Brooklyn Squad”; and Company K, “Brooklyn Light Infantry”.
Early Campaigns and Battles
The 16th New York Infantry was sent to Washington, D.C., where it was attached to the Army of the Potomac. The regiment saw its first action at the Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, where it suffered heavy casualties. Despite being a new and inexperienced unit, the 16th New York Infantry fought bravely and earned a reputation for its valor and discipline. Over the next two years, the regiment participated in several battles and campaigns, including the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chancellorsville, and the Battle of Gettysburg.
| Battle | Date | Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| Bull Run | July 21, 1861 | 104 killed, 130 wounded, 150 missing |
| Fredericksburg | December 11-15, 1862 | 23 killed, 56 wounded, 20 missing |
| Chancellorsville | April 30 - May 6, 1863 | 15 killed, 30 wounded, 10 missing |
| Gettysburg | July 1-3, 1863 | 20 killed, 40 wounded, 15 missing |
Key Points
- The 16th New York Infantry was organized on May 15, 1861, and mustered into service for a term of two years.
- The regiment was composed of ten companies, each with a unique character and history.
- The 16th New York Infantry participated in several battles and campaigns, including the Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chancellorsville, and the Battle of Gettysburg.
- The regiment suffered significant casualties throughout the war, with a total of 244 killed, 436 wounded, and 215 missing.
- The 16th New York Infantry's experiences during the Civil War provide valuable insights into the challenges and sacrifices faced by Union soldiers during this period.
Reorganization and Later Service
In June 1863, the 16th New York Infantry was reorganized and consolidated with the 15th New York Heavy Artillery. The regiment was redesignated as the 15th New York Heavy Artillery, and many of its veterans were transferred to other units. The 16th New York Infantry’s legacy lived on, however, and its bravery and sacrifice were remembered as an important part of the Union’s ultimate victory in the Civil War.
Legacy and Remembrance
Today, the 16th New York Infantry is remembered as one of the many regiments that played a crucial role in the Union’s victory in the Civil War. The regiment’s bravery and sacrifice are commemorated in several monuments and memorials, including the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Brooklyn Monument in Prospect Park. The 16th New York Infantry’s history serves as a reminder of the importance of patriotism, duty, and sacrifice, and its legacy continues to inspire Americans to this day.
What was the 16th New York Infantry’s first battle?
+The 16th New York Infantry’s first battle was the Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861.
How many casualties did the 16th New York Infantry suffer during the Civil War?
+The 16th New York Infantry suffered a total of 244 killed, 436 wounded, and 215 missing during the Civil War.
What happened to the 16th New York Infantry after the war?
+The 16th New York Infantry was reorganized and consolidated with the 15th New York Heavy Artillery in June 1863. Many of its veterans were transferred to other units, and the regiment’s legacy lived on as an important part of the Union’s ultimate victory in the Civil War.
