20th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 20th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), known as the “United Turner Rifles,” was an infantry regiment from New York State that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was primarily composed of volunteers from the Turner societies of New York City and its vicinity. It was mustered into United States service at New York City on May 6, 1861, for a two-year term. The 20th New York served in the Eastern Theater and participated in several significant campaigns and battles.

This unit is distinct from any later formations or service terms under the 20th New York Infantry designation.

Organization & Service

The 20th New York Infantry was organized in New York City and mustered into federal service on May 6, 1861. Initially, some men were mustered into state service for two years and U.S. service for three months; on August 2, 1861, these men were mustered into U.S. service for the remainder of the two-year term by special order. The regiment was quartered at the Turtle Bay brewery for over a month before departing for Fortress Monroe on June 13, 1861. After encamping at Tyler’s Point, the regiment moved to Hampton, Virginia.

On August 26, 1861, the 20th New York embarked for Fort Hatteras, participating in the capture of the fortifications and remaining there until September 25. The regiment then returned to Virginia, occupying Camp Hamilton until October 7. Four companies were detached to Newport News, where they engaged the enemy at Sinclair’s Farm and New Market Bridge, rejoining the main regiment at Camp Hamilton on February 20, 1862.

On May 9, 1862, the regiment moved to Norfolk and then via Portsmouth, White House Landing, and Savage Station to join the Army of the Potomac at Camp Lincoln. It was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Corps. The regiment saw action in the Seven Days’ Battles, suffering losses, and then encamped at Harrison’s Landing until mid-August. It was subsequently ordered to Fortress Monroe, Alexandria, and Manassas, participating in the Maryland Campaign, including the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, where it suffered its heaviest casualties.

After encamping at Acquia Creek in November 1862, the regiment moved to Falmouth and was in support of artillery during the Battle of Fredericksburg. The winter was spent at White Oak Church, with the exception of the “Mud March” in January 1863. In late April, 202 members refused further service, believing their enlistment had expired; they were disciplined, and the regiment participated in the Chancellorsville Campaign. The regiment’s term expired in May 1863, and it returned to New York, where it was mustered out on June 1, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Capture of Fort Hatteras (August 1861)
• Sinclair’s Farm
• New Market Bridge
• Seven Days’ Battles
• South Mountain
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg (in support of artillery)
• “Mud March”
• Chancellorsville Campaign

Casualties

During its service, the 20th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) lost 62 members by death from wounds received in action and 59 from other causes. Total losses are based on contemporary reports and may vary slightly in different sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Max Weber
• Colonel Francis Weiss
• Colonel Baron Ernst Von Vegesack
• Lieutenant Colonel Franz Weiss
• Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Schnepf
• Major Engleberth Schnepf
• Major Lorenz Meyer

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 20th New York Infantry (Two 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 research.

To view the complete roster, visit the 20th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 2, 5, 9, 11, 19, 21, 25
• 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, Volume 2