73rd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 73rd New York Infantry (also known as the 2nd Fire Zouaves and the 4th Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade) was an infantry regiment from New York that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Principally recruited in New York City, the regiment was composed largely of men from the New York fire department. It was mustered into United States service at Staten Island between July 8 and October 8, 1861. The 73rd New York served primarily with the Army of the Potomac and was noted for its participation in many major Eastern Theater campaigns and battles.

The regiment was recognized for its fighting qualities and high casualty rates, particularly at battles such as Williamsburg and Gettysburg. It was mustered out of service at Washington, D.C., on June 29, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 73rd New York Infantry was organized at Staten Island, New York, and mustered into service between July 8 and October 8, 1861. After leaving New York for Washington, D.C., on October 8, 1861, the regiment was assigned to Sickles’ Brigade, Hooker’s Division, which later became the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac. The regiment spent its first winter at Good Hope, Maryland.

In April 1862, the 73rd moved with the Army of the Potomac to the Virginia Peninsula, participating in the Siege of Yorktown and the Battle of Williamsburg, where it suffered its first severe losses. The regiment was engaged at Fair Oaks and throughout the Seven Days’ Battles, after which it encamped at Harrison’s Landing. On the march to join Pope’s forces, the regiment fought at Bristoe Station, sustaining further casualties, and was active at the Second Battle of Bull Run. The Excelsior Brigade, including the 73rd, was then withdrawn to the defenses of Washington to recover.

In November 1862, the regiment moved to Falmouth, Virginia. During the autumn, a new company joined, and in January 1863, the 73rd absorbed members of the 163rd New York Infantry. The regiment participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg, returned to Falmouth, and fought at Chancellorsville in May 1863. At Gettysburg, the 73rd suffered its greatest losses, with over 50% casualties among those engaged. The regiment continued to serve in subsequent actions at Wapping Heights, Catlett’s Station, Brandy Station, Kelly’s Ford, and Locust Grove, before wintering at Brandy Station.

During the winter of 1863-64, enough men reenlisted to maintain the regiment as a veteran organization. In April 1864, the 73rd joined the Overland Campaign, initially serving with the 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 2nd Corps, and later with the 4th Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Corps. The regiment participated in the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and the operations leading to Petersburg. Upon the expiration of the original enlistments, non-reenlisted men were mustered out, and the remaining veterans and recruits were consolidated into seven companies. These continued to serve in the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 2nd Corps, through the Petersburg siege, final assault, and pursuit to Appomattox. On June 1, 1865, the regiment received veterans and recruits from the 120th New York Infantry. The 73rd was mustered out at Washington, D.C., on June 29, 1865.

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)
• Bristoe Station (August 27, 1862)
• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 28–30, 1862)
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11–15, 1862)
• Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1–5, 1863)
• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863)
• Wapping Heights (July 23, 1863)
• Catlett’s Station, Brandy Station, Kelly’s Ford, Locust Grove (1863)
• Overland Campaign: Wilderness (May 5–7, 1864), Spotsylvania (May 8–21, 1864)
• Siege of Petersburg (June 1864–April 1865)
• Final Assault on Petersburg (April 2, 1865)
• Pursuit to Appomattox (April 1865)

Casualties

• Total enrollment: 1,326
• Died of wounds: 153
• Died of accident, imprisonment, or disease: 76
• At Gettysburg: 51 killed, 103 wounded, 8 missing out of 324 engaged
• At Williamsburg: 104 killed, wounded, or missing
• At Bristoe Station: 46 killed or wounded
• In the Wilderness: 66 casualties in first two days
• At Spotsylvania: 30 casualties

The regiment lost 18 officers killed or mortally wounded during its service, a loss exceeded by only four other regiments in the army.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William R. Brewster
• Colonel Michael W. Burns
• Colonel James Fairman
• Lieutenant Colonel William McCanley
• Lieutenant Colonel Michael W. Burns
• Lieutenant Colonel James McKenna
• Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Benedict, Jr.
• Major Michael W. Burns
• Major John P. Lawrence
• Major Lawrence H. Thompson
• Major John D. Moriarty

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 73rd New York Infantry, including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on service records, enlistment dates, and other relevant information.

To view the complete roster, visit the 73rd New York Infantry Regimental Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 9, 11, 12, 19, 21, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46
• 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)