5th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 5th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as “Duryee’s Zouaves” or the “National Zouaves,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City and its immediate vicinity. Mustered into United States service at Fort Schuyler, New York Harbor, on May 9, 1861, the regiment served in the Union Army throughout the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. The 5th New York became renowned for its distinctive Zouave uniforms and its heavy combat losses, particularly at the Second Battle of Bull Run.

This regiment served for a two-year term and is distinct from any later organizations or service terms. It was attached for much of its service to Sykes’ Division of the Army of the Potomac, where it earned a reputation for discipline and fighting ability.

Organization & Service

The 5th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was recruited primarily in New York City and mustered in at Fort Schuyler on May 9, 1861. Shortly after organization, the regiment embarked for Fortress Monroe on May 23, 1861, and camped near Hampton Bridge before moving to Camp Butler, Newport News. Initially attached to Pierce’s Brigade, the regiment led the Union advance at the Battle of Big Bethel on June 10, 1861, suffering its first casualties.

In September 1861, the regiment was transferred to Baltimore for garrison duty, remaining there until May 1862. It was then assigned to Sykes’ Brigade, Reserve Infantry, Army of the Potomac, and on May 17, 1862, to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 5th Corps. The 5th New York participated in the Peninsula Campaign, including the Siege of Yorktown, actions near Hanover Court House, and the Seven Days’ Battles. At Gaines’ Mill, the regiment sustained heavy losses but maintained discipline under fire. It was also engaged at Malvern Hill and spent time at Harrison’s Landing.

The regiment played a prominent role at the Second Battle of Bull Run, where it suffered the highest regimental loss of life in a single battle of any Union infantry regiment, with 117 killed or mortally wounded out of 490 engaged. The survivors continued to serve at Antietam, Shepherdstown, Snicker’s Gap, and Fredericksburg, though without significant additional losses. The 5th New York was also present at Chancellorsville before returning to New York City, where it was mustered out on May 14, 1863. Remaining reenlisted men and recruits were transferred to the 146th New York Volunteers.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Big Bethel
• Peninsula Campaign (including Siege of Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Seven Days’ Battles)
• Gaines’ Mill
• Malvern Hill
• Second Bull Run
• Antietam
• Shepherdstown
• Snicker’s Gap
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 117
• Died of disease and other causes: 34
• Total enrollment: 1,508
• At Second Bull Run: 117 killed or mortally wounded out of 490 engaged

Casualty figures are based on Fox and regimental records. The loss at Second Bull Run represents the greatest regimental loss of life in a single battle for any Union infantry regiment.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Abraham Duryee
• Colonel Gouverneur K. Warren
• Colonel Hiram Duryea
• Colonel Cleveland Winslow
• Colonel Frederick Winthrop
• Colonel Henry W. Ryder
• Colonel William F. Drum
• Lieutenant Colonel Harmon D. Hull
• Lieutenant Colonel George Duryea
• Lieutenant Colonel George L. Guthrie
• Lieutenant Colonel William F. Drum
• Major J. Mansfield Davis
• Major Hiram Duryea
• Major Cleveland Winslow
• Major George Duryea
• Major Henry W. Ryder
• Major George L. Guthrie
• Major Paul A. Oliver
• Major Henry Shickhardt
• Major Carlisle Boyd

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 5th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment during its two-year term.

To view the complete roster, visit the 5th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. II, V, XI, XII, XIX
• 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
• Contemporary wartime reports and regimental documents