37th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 37th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), known as the “Irish Rifles,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was composed of seven companies from New York City, two from Cattaraugus County, and one from Pulaski. It was mustered into United States service on June 6 and 7, 1861, for a two-year term. The 37th New York served primarily in the Eastern Theater and was attached to the Army of the Potomac, participating in several major campaigns and battles.

Organization & Service

The 37th New York Infantry was organized at New York City and mustered in for two years’ service on June 6 and 7, 1861. The regiment departed New York for Washington, D.C., on June 23, 1861, and encamped at the foot of East Capitol Street. Initially assigned to General McDowell’s reserves, the regiment participated in the first movement toward Manassas and subsequently went into winter quarters near Bailey’s Cross-Roads.

After several temporary assignments, the 37th New York was attached to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps of the Army of the Potomac. In March 1862, the regiment embarked for Fortress Monroe and took part in the siege operations before Yorktown. At the Battle of Williamsburg, the regiment received commendation from General Kearny for its gallantry, suffering a loss of 95 killed, wounded, and missing. The regiment was closely engaged at Fair Oaks and during the Seven Days’ Battles, after which it camped at Harrison’s Landing. It later moved to Alexandria and was present at the Second Battle of Bull Run and at Chantilly.

The regiment reached Falmouth, Virginia, on December 6, 1862, and participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg, with a total loss of 35 members. The 37th remained encamped near Falmouth for the remainder of the winter. On December 24, 1862, it received the veterans of the 101st New York Infantry. The regiment suffered its heaviest losses during the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863, with 222 men killed, wounded, or missing. The three-year men were transferred to the 40th New York Infantry on May 29, 1863. The regiment was mustered out of service at New York City on June 22, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First movement to Manassas (July 1861)
• Siege of Yorktown (April–May 1862)
• Battle of Williamsburg (May 5, 1862)
• Battle of Fair Oaks (May 31–June 1, 1862)
• Seven Days’ Battles (June 25–July 1, 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 28–30, 1862)
• Battle of Chantilly (September 1, 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
• Chancellorsville Campaign (April 27–May 6, 1863)

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 26
• Died from accident, imprisonment, or disease: 38
• Loss at Williamsburg: 95 killed, wounded, or missing
• Loss at Fredericksburg: 35
• Loss at Chancellorsville: 222 killed, wounded, or missing

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel John H. McCunn
• Colonel Samuel B. Hayman
• Lieutenant Colonel John Burke
• Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Riordan
• Major Dennis C. Minton
• Major Gilbert Riordan
• Major Patrick H. Jones
• Major William DeLacy

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 37th 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 37th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 5, 9, 11, 12, 19, 21, 25
• 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)