35th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 35th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York State for Union service during the American Civil War. Known as the “Jefferson County Regiment,” it was composed primarily of companies from Jefferson County, with additional companies from Lewis, Steuben, Madison counties, and one company drawn from New York City, Buffalo, and Elmira. The regiment was mustered into United States service at Elmira on June 11, 1861, for a two-year term. The 35th New York served in the Eastern Theater, participating in several major campaigns and battles of the Army of the Potomac.

Organization & Service

The 35th New York Infantry was organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered in on June 11, 1861. After leaving the state on July 11, 1861, the regiment proceeded to Washington, D.C., where it camped on Meridian Hill until July 23. It was then moved to Arlington House and initially assigned to a brigade under Col. Porter, later under Col. Keyes, and finally under Gen. Wadsworth as part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of the Potomac.

During the summer and fall of 1861, the regiment was engaged in construction work on Forts Tillinghast and Craig. On September 27, 1861, it moved to Fall’s Church, Virginia, where it remained through the winter of 1861–62. In March 1862, the regiment broke camp for the Manassas movement, and in April it advanced to Falmouth, Virginia.

In late August 1862, the 35th New York participated in actions at Rappahannock Station, Sulphur Springs, Gainesville, and the Second Battle of Bull Run. The regiment was present at Chantilly but was not closely engaged. It then returned to Fall’s Church. At the Battle of South Mountain, the regiment suffered casualties, and at Antietam, it incurred heavier losses. The unit encamped at Sharpsburg until October 15, then moved to Brooks’ Station. During the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862, the regiment was held in reserve until the day of the battle, when it sustained additional losses.

In January 1863, the 35th New York was assigned to the provost guard brigade stationed at Falmouth and performed guard duty along the Acquia Creek railroad. On May 18, 1863, the three-year men were transferred to the 80th New York Infantry. The regiment left Acquia Creek for Elmira on May 19 and was mustered out of service on June 5, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Construction of Forts Tillinghast and Craig (1861)
• Manassas movement (March 1862)
• Rappahannock Station (August 1862)
• Sulphur Springs (August 1862)
• Gainesville (August 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862)
• Chantilly (September 1862; present, not closely engaged)
• South Mountain (September 1862)
• Antietam (September 1862)
• Fredericksburg (December 1862; held in reserve until day of battle)
• Provost and guard duty at Falmouth and along Acquia Creek railroad (1863)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 44
• Died from accident, imprisonment, or disease: 56
• Total enrollment: 1,250

Casualty figures are drawn from regimental and state reports. If other sources provide different numbers, those are not reflected here.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William C. Brown
• Colonel Newton B. Lord
• Colonel John G. Todd
• Lieutenant Colonel Stephen L. Potter
• Lieutenant Colonel Bradley Winslow
• Lieutenant Colonel John G. Todd
• Lieutenant Colonel David M. Evans
• Major Newton B. Lord
• Major John G. Todd
• Major David M. Evans
• Major Sidney J. Wendell

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 35th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.

To view the complete roster, visit the 35th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 12, 19
• New York State Adjutant General’s Reports
• 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