The 96th New York Infantry was organized at Plattsburgh, New York February 20-March 7, 1862 and mustered in for three-years service beginning February 20, 1862 under the command of Colonel James Fairman.

The regiment was attached to 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, IV Corps, Army of the Potomac, to June 1862.

Wessell's Brigade, Division at Suffolk, VII Corps, Department of Virginia, to December 1862.

1st Brigade, 4th Division, XVIII Corps, Department of North Carolina, to May 1863.

District of the Currituck, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to March 1864.

1st Brigade, 1st Division, XVIII Corps, Army of the James, to July 1864.

The 96th New York Infantry mustered out of service at City Point, Virginia on February 6, 1866.

Moved to Fort Monroe August 16–23, then to Suffolk September 18, and duty there until December.

Expedition from Plymouth to Gardiner's Bridge and Williamston July 5–7 (detachment).

Butler's operations on the south side of the James River and against Petersburg and Richmond May 4–28.

Siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond June 16, 1864 to April 2, 1865.

Battle of Chaffin's Farm, New Market Heights, September 28–30.