55th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 55th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), also known as the “La Fayette Guard,” was an infantry regiment composed primarily of men of French origin. Organized at New Dorp, Staten Island, the regiment entered United States service on August 28, 1861, for a three-year term. Serving with the Union Army in the Eastern Theater, the 55th New York participated in several major campaigns and engagements before its consolidation in late 1862.

Organization & Service

The 55th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was organized at New Dorp, Staten Island, and mustered into federal service on August 28, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on August 31, 1861, and was stationed at Fort Gaines, Maryland, in September. In October, it was assigned to Peck’s Brigade, Buell’s Division, Army of the Potomac.

In March 1862, the regiment joined the Army of the Potomac for the Peninsula Campaign. It participated in the siege of Yorktown and the battle of Williamsburg, serving with the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Corps. At the battle of Fair Oaks, the regiment suffered significant casualties. During the Seven Days’ Battles, the 55th was primarily employed in guarding trains but was engaged at Malvern Hill, where it incurred further losses.

Company B joined the regiment in April 1862. In September 1862, the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of four companies and assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps. In November, it was transferred to the 2nd Brigade of the same division. The 55th New York was actively engaged at Fredericksburg in December 1862. On December 21, 1862, the regiment was transferred to the 38th New York Infantry, with which the men completed their service term. Members who did not reenlist were mustered out in New York City at the expiration of their term. On June 3, 1863, those whose terms had not expired were transferred to the 40th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• 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; train guard duty)
• Battle of Malvern Hill (July 1, 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)

Casualties

During its service, the 55th New York Infantry lost 36 men by death from wounds and 29 from other causes, for a total of 65 deaths. These figures are based on official regimental and state reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Baron Regis De Trobriand
• Lieutenant Colonel Louis Thourot
• Lieutenant Colonel William H. King
• Major Francis Jehl

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 55th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and additional service details valuable for genealogical and historical research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 55th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 11, 19, 21
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H. 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