6th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 6th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as Wilson’s Zouaves, was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. Mustered in at Tompkinsville between April 30 and May 25, 1861, the regiment served primarily in the Department of the Gulf and the Gulf Coast region. The unit was notable for its distinctive Zouave uniforms and for being among the early regiments sent to the Gulf theater.

The regiment was mustered in for a two-year term and participated in several key operations, including the defense of Fort Pickens, the bombardments near Pensacola, and actions in Louisiana. The 6th New York Infantry was mustered out in New York City on June 25, 1863.

Organization & Service

The 6th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was recruited in New York City and mustered into United States service at Tompkinsville, Staten Island, on April 30 and May 25, 1861. The regiment was commanded initially by Colonel William Wilson. After organization, the regiment departed New York City on June 15, 1861, aboard the steamer Vanderbilt and arrived at Santa Rosa Island, Florida, where it encamped near Fort Pickens.

Companies A, B, and C were detached for duty at Key West and Tortugas, while Companies G and I were stationed at Batteries Lincoln and Cameron. The remainder of the regiment remained at the original camp on Santa Rosa Island. In October 1861, the camp was attacked, and the companies fell back to Battery Totten. The regiment participated in the bombardments of the Pensacola fortifications in November 1861 and January 1862. Following the Confederate evacuation of Pensacola in May 1862, the 6th New York was quartered in the city, with Companies G and I stationed at Fort Barrancas.

In November 1862, the regiment was ordered to New Orleans, Louisiana, where it was attached first to Sherman’s Division and later to Grover’s Division. The regiment moved to Baton Rouge and, in March 1863, as part of the 4th Division (Grover’s), 19th Army Corps, was ordered to Brashear City. The 6th New York participated in the expedition to Irish Bend, engaging in combat there and at Vermillion Bayou. After returning from these operations, the regiment was ordered to Alexandria, Louisiana, and subsequently embarked for New York City, where it was mustered out on June 25, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defense of Fort Pickens, Florida (1861)
• Attack on Santa Rosa Island (October 1861)
• Bombardments of Pensacola Fortifications (November 1861, January 1862)
• Occupation of Pensacola (May 1862)
• Operations in New Orleans and Baton Rouge (late 1862–early 1863)
• Expedition to Irish Bend (April 1863)
• Engagement at Vermillion Bayou (April 1863)

Casualties

The original strength of the regiment was 770 men. During its service, 14 members were killed or died of wounds, and 32 died from other causes. Total known deaths: 46.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William Wilson
• Lieutenant Colonel John Creighton
• Lieutenant Colonel Michael Cassidy
• Major William Newby
• Major James W. Burgess

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 6th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 6th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. VI, IX, XV
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Vol. 2, Federal Publishing Company, 1908