36th New York Infantry
Encyclopedia
The 36th New York State Volunteers was a New York Civil War
regiment. It was a unique fighting force, composed of Irishmen and New York Britons. A colorful group known for its antics and in-fighting, it nevertheless made important contributions to the Union cause at such battles as Seven Pines
, Malvern Hill
, Fredericksburg
, and Chancellorsville
. Many of its members were also present during the New York Draft Riots
.
The unit served from 1861 to 1863. It served closely with the 7th and 10th Massachusetts regiments, along with the 2nd RI.
It was first blooded at the battle of Seven Pines and later participated in the Union victory at Malvern Hill. It was part of a detachment guarding the bridges at Fredericksburg and did not see combat there. In the battle of Chancellorsville, it participated in the capture of Marye's Heights.
Before the Gettysburg battle, the two-year enlistment period of its members expired, though many were rushed to New York to quell the draft riots and the regiment suffered its last war casualties there.
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
regiment. It was a unique fighting force, composed of Irishmen and New York Britons. A colorful group known for its antics and in-fighting, it nevertheless made important contributions to the Union cause at such battles as Seven Pines
Battle of Seven Pines
The Battle of Seven Pines, also known as the Battle of Fair Oaks or Fair Oaks Station, took place on May 31 and June 1, 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia, as part of the Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War. It was the culmination of an offensive up the Virginia Peninsula by Union Maj. Gen....
, Malvern Hill
Battle of Malvern Hill
The Battle of Malvern Hill, also known as the Battle of Poindexter's Farm, took place on July 1, 1862, in Henrico County, Virginia, on the seventh and last day of the Seven Days Battles of the American Civil War. Gen. Robert E. Lee launched a series of disjointed assaults on the nearly impregnable...
, Fredericksburg
Battle of Fredericksburg
The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought December 11–15, 1862, in and around Fredericksburg, Virginia, between General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside...
, and Chancellorsville
Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville was a major battle of the American Civil War, and the principal engagement of the Chancellorsville Campaign. It was fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, near the village of Chancellorsville. Two related battles were fought nearby on...
. Many of its members were also present during the New York Draft Riots
New York Draft Riots
The New York City draft riots were violent disturbances in New York City that were the culmination of discontent with new laws passed by Congress to draft men to fight in the ongoing American Civil War. The riots were the largest civil insurrection in American history apart from the Civil War itself...
.
The unit served from 1861 to 1863. It served closely with the 7th and 10th Massachusetts regiments, along with the 2nd RI.
It was first blooded at the battle of Seven Pines and later participated in the Union victory at Malvern Hill. It was part of a detachment guarding the bridges at Fredericksburg and did not see combat there. In the battle of Chancellorsville, it participated in the capture of Marye's Heights.
Before the Gettysburg battle, the two-year enlistment period of its members expired, though many were rushed to New York to quell the draft riots and the regiment suffered its last war casualties there.
External links
- 36th New York Volunteer Infantry, a site designed and researched by descendants of soldiers serving in this regiment, contains an unofficial history
- New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center - Civil War - 36th Infantry Regiment History, photographs, table of battles and casualties, historical sketch, and newspaper clippings for the 36th New York Infantry Regiment.