Overview
The 24th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment from New York, primarily composed of men from Oswego County, with one company from Jefferson County. The regiment was mustered into United States service for a two-year term on July 2, 1861, at Elmira, New York, and served with the Union Army in the Eastern Theater throughout its enlistment.
The 24th New York Infantry was notably part of the “Iron Brigade” in the Army of the Potomac. The regiment participated in several major campaigns and battles, including the Second Battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, before being mustered out in May 1863.
Organization & Service
The 24th New York Infantry was organized at Elmira, New York, and mustered into service on July 2, 1861. The regiment left for Washington, D.C., the same day and initially encamped on Meridian Hill. On July 22, 1861, it moved to Arlington Mills, and by late September, established winter quarters at Upton’s Hill.
Initially assigned to Keyes’ Brigade, the unit became part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, and later, on March 13, 1862, was designated as part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps—known as the “Iron Brigade.” In March 1862, the brigade moved to Centerville but soon returned to Alexandria. In April, the regiment advanced to Bristoe Station and then to Fredericksburg, Virginia. After a sharp engagement at Falmouth in April, the regiment encamped there through June and July.
The 24th New York Infantry was engaged at Rappahannock Station and Groveton, and suffered heavy losses at the Second Battle of Bull Run, with 237 men killed, wounded, or missing. Following a brief rest at Upton’s Hill, the regiment participated in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. It then camped at Sharpsburg until late autumn, after which it moved to Fredericksburg and took part in the battle there. The regiment established winter quarters at Belle Plain and was held in reserve during the Chancellorsville campaign. The 24th New York Infantry was mustered out of service at Elmira, New York, on May 29, 1863.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Falmouth (April 1862)
- Rappahannock Station
- Groveton
- Second Battle of Bull Run
- South Mountain
- Antietam
- Fredericksburg
- Chancellorsville (held in reserve)
Casualties
- Killed or mortally wounded: 91
- Died of disease or other causes: 31
- Total losses at Second Bull Run: 237 killed, wounded, or missing
Field Officers & Commanders
- Colonel Timothy Sullivan
- Colonel Samuel R. Beardsley
- Lieutenant Colonel Samuel R. Beardsley
- Lieutenant Colonel Robert Oliver, Jr.
- Major Jonathan Tarbell
- Major Andrew J. Barney
- Major Robert Oliver, Jr.
- Major Melzer Richards
Regimental Roster
The full roster of the 24th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster provides names, ranks, and additional service details where available.
To view the complete roster, visit the 24th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 12, 19, 21
- 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