8th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 8th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the 1st German Rifles, was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into United States service on April 23, 1861, for a two-year term. Composed primarily of German immigrants, the 8th New York served in the Eastern Theater and participated in several major campaigns and battles.

This unit is distinct from any later formations or service terms under the same regimental number.

Organization & Service

The 8th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was recruited and organized in New York City and mustered into federal service on April 23, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on May 27, 1861, and encamped at Miller’s farm. On July 10, the regiment moved toward Manassas as part of the 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Potomac. During the First Battle of Bull Run, the 8th New York was held in reserve and assisted in covering the Union retreat.

During the winter of 1861–1862, the regiment was quartered at Roach’s Mills and Hunter’s Chapel, Virginia. In March 1862, it moved to Winchester, Virginia, and in May joined General Fremont at Petersburg, West Virginia. The regiment participated in the pursuit of Confederate forces under General Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley and, as part of Blenker’s Division, fought at the battles of Cross Keys and New Market. At Cross Keys, the regiment suffered significant casualties, with 220 killed, wounded, or missing out of 550 engaged.

After Cross Keys, the 8th New York was assigned at Middletown to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of Virginia, under General Pope. The regiment participated in the battles of Sulphur Springs and the Second Battle of Bull Run. In September 1862, it became part of the 11th Corps and reached Fredericksburg immediately after the battle there. The regiment spent the winter at Stafford Court House and Brooks’ Station. It was mustered out of service at Brooks’ Station on April 23, 1863. Members whose terms had not expired were consolidated into an independent company, which performed guard duty at corps headquarters until April 5, 1864, when they were assigned to the 68th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Battle of Bull Run (held in reserve, July 1861)
• Shenandoah Valley Campaign (Spring 1862)
• Battle of Cross Keys (June 1862)
• Battle of New Market (June 1862)
• Battle of Sulphur Springs (August 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862)
• Fredericksburg (arrived after battle, December 1862)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 93
• Died of disease, accident, or imprisonment: 40
• Total known deaths: 133

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Louis Blenker
• Colonel Julius Stahel
• Colonel Francis Wutschell
• Colonel Felix P. Salm
• Lieutenant Colonel Julius Stahel
• Lieutenant Colonel Francis Wutschell
• Lieutenant Colonel Carl B. Hedterich
• Major Andrew Lutz
• Major Carl B. Hedterich
• Major Anthony Pokorny

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 8th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), listing officers and enlisted men who served in the regiment, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource is valuable for genealogical research and for those seeking information on individual soldiers.

To view the complete roster, visit the 8th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 2, 5, 9, 12, 19
• 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)