2nd New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 2nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the Troy Regiment, was an infantry regiment organized at Troy, New York, for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into United States service on May 14, 1861, at Camp Willard, Troy, for a two-year term. It served primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in several major campaigns and battles, including Big Bethel, the Peninsula Campaign, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.

This unit is distinct from any later formations or service terms under the 2nd New York Infantry designation.

Organization & Service

The 2nd New York Infantry was organized at Troy, New York, and mustered in on May 14, 1861, with nearly 800 men. The regiment departed Troy on May 18, 1861, for New York City, then proceeded to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, where it encamped at Mill Creek. Its first engagement was at the Battle of Big Bethel in June 1861. On August 5, the regiment moved to Newport News, Virginia, where it established permanent quarters and spent the winter, receiving additional recruits.

In January 1862, the regiment joined an expedition up the James River. On March 7, 1862, it became part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of Virginia. From April 6 to 17, it was stationed at Young’s Mill. On June 6, 1862, the regiment was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 3rd Corps. The 2nd New York participated in the Peninsula Campaign, including the Battle of Fair Oaks and the Seven Days’ Battles, and later fought at Malvern Hill in August 1862.

During the late summer and fall campaigns in Virginia, the regiment was engaged at Bristoe Station (suffering 70 casualties), Groveton, Second Bull Run, and Chantilly. It subsequently participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862 and went into winter quarters near Falmouth, Virginia. The regiment remained there until the Chancellorsville Campaign in the spring of 1863, where it suffered 54 casualties. On May 11, 1863, 120 men reenlisted for three years’ service and were transferred to the 70th New York Infantry. The remainder of the regiment was mustered out at Troy, New York, on May 26, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Big Bethel
• Peninsula Campaign (including Fair Oaks and Seven Days’ Battles)
• Malvern Hill
• Bristoe Station
• Groveton
• Second Bull Run
• Chantilly
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 26
• Died of disease and other causes: 22
• Total known deaths: 48

Casualty figures are based on regimental and official reports.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Joseph B. Carr
• Colonel Sidney W. Park
• Lieutenant Colonel R. Wells Kenyon
• Lieutenant Colonel William A. Olmsted
• Major Richard D. Bloss
• Major George H. Otis
• Major George W. Willson
• Major William B. Tibbitts

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 2nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 2nd New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts covering 1861–1863
• 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