33rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 33rd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), known as the “Ontario Regiment,” served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Organized primarily from companies raised in the northwestern part of New York State, the regiment was mustered into United States service at Elmira on July 3, 1861, for a two-year term dating from May 22, 1861. The 33rd New York Infantry participated in major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, including the Peninsula, Maryland, and Chancellorsville campaigns.

Organization & Service

The 33rd New York Infantry was organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered in for two years’ service on July 3, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on July 8, 1861, and was stationed at Camp Granger until August 6. It then moved to Camp Lyon near Chain Bridge on the Potomac River, where it was assigned to Smith’s brigade and engaged in constructing Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy during September.

On September 25, 1861, the regiment became part of the brigade commanded by Colonel Stevens in General Smith’s division. Four days later, it engaged in a skirmish near Lewinsville. The regiment entered winter quarters at Camp Griffin near Lewinsville on October 11. In March 1862, the 3rd Brigade, Smith’s Division, 4th Corps, Army of the Potomac, moved to Manassas and then to Cloud’s Mills, embarking for the Peninsula on March 25.

The 33rd New York Infantry was active during the Siege of Yorktown, engaged at Lee’s Mill, and fought at Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, and throughout the Seven Days’ Battles from Gaines’ Mill to Malvern Hill. The regiment encamped at Harrison’s Landing from July 2 to August 16, 1862, before moving to Newport News and then to Hampton. It returned to Alexandria and participated in the Maryland Campaign in September, fighting at Crampton’s Gap and Antietam, where it suffered significant casualties.

In October 1862, the regiment was stationed along the Potomac near Hagerstown, then camped at White Plains and Stafford Court House in November. In December, it moved toward Fredericksburg and fought there as part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Corps, to which it had been assigned in May 1862. The regiment camped at White Oak Church, participated in the “Mud March” in January 1863, and returned to winter quarters. At Chancellorsville in May 1863, the regiment served in the Light Brigade and sustained heavy losses at Marye’s Heights.

On May 14, 1863, the three years’ men were transferred to the 49th New York Infantry. The two years’ men were mustered out at Geneva, New York, on June 2, 1863, marking the end of the regiment’s service. The total enrollment was 1,220 men.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Skirmish near Lewinsville (September 1861)
• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Lee’s Mill
• Battle of Williamsburg (May 1862)
• Mechanicsville
• Seven Days’ Battles (Gaines’ Mill to Malvern Hill, June–July 1862)
• Maryland Campaign (September 1862)
• Crampton’s Gap
• Battle of Antietam (September 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862)
• “Mud March” (January 1863)
• Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1863), including Marye’s Heights

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 1,220 men
• Killed or died of wounds: 47
• Died from accident, imprisonment, or disease: 105
• At Antietam: 47 killed, wounded, or missing
• At Marye’s Heights (Chancellorsville): 221 killed, wounded, or missing

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Robert F. Taylor
• Lieutenant Colonel Calvin Walker
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph W. Corning
• Major Robert J. Mann
• Major John S. Platner

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 33rd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) includes the names and service details of all officers and enlisted men who served in the regiment. This information is valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 33rd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 5, 9, 11, 19, 21
• 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, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Vol. 2