11th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 11th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the 1st Fire Zouaves, was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for Union service during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into United States service on May 7, 1861, and served primarily in the Eastern Theater. Notable for its distinctive Zouave uniforms and its recruitment from New York City fire companies, the regiment was among the early volunteer units to respond to the call for troops in 1861.

The 11th New York Infantry was attached to various commands, including Willcox’s Brigade and the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia. The regiment is particularly remembered for its participation in the First Battle of Bull Run and for the death of its first colonel, Elmer E. Ellsworth, an early Union martyr.

Organization & Service

The 11th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was recruited in New York City, drawing heavily from the city’s fire companies, and became widely known as the “Fire Zouaves.” The regiment left New York for Washington, D.C., on April 29, 1861, with approximately 1,200 men. It was mustered into U.S. service on May 7, 1861, for a two-year term. Initially quartered at the Capitol, the regiment moved to Camp Lincoln on May 9 and then to Camp Ellsworth in Alexandria, Virginia, on May 24, 1861.

While stationed in Alexandria, the regiment became part of General Willcox’s brigade. On July 21, 1861, the 11th New York fought in the First Battle of Bull Run as part of the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia, suffering significant casualties. Following the battle, the regiment returned to New York in September 1861 for reorganization and performed guard duty at Bedloe’s Island. Later that month, it was sent to Fortress Monroe and camped at Newport News, Virginia.

Efforts to reorganize the regiment were unsuccessful. The 11th New York returned to New York City on May 7, 1862, and was mustered out of service on June 2, 1862. Subsequent attempts to reorganize the regiment did not succeed, and men enlisted for that purpose were transferred to the 17th New York Infantry.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Occupation of Alexandria, Virginia (May 1861)
• First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861)
• Guard duty at Bedloe’s Island (September 1861)
• Camp at Newport News, Virginia (Fall 1861–Spring 1862)

Casualties

During its service, the 11th New York Infantry lost 51 members killed or mortally wounded in action and 15 from accident or disease. Total deaths reported: 66.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel E. Elmer Ellsworth
• Colonel Noah L. Farnham
• Colonel Charles McK. Loeser
• Lieutenant Colonel Noah L. Farnham
• Lieutenant Colonel John A. Cregier
• Lieutenant Colonel Spencer H. Stafford
• Lieutenant Colonel Joseph E. McFarland
• Major John A. Cregier
• Major Charles McK. Loeser
• Major Alexander McC. Stetson

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 11th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides details on enlistment, rank, and service history for members of the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 11th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 2, 5, 9
• 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)