29th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 29th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service), also known as the “Astor Rifles,” was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into U.S. service on June 4 and 6, 1861, for a two-year term, with most of its members being of German nativity. The unit served primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in several significant campaigns and battles during its service.

The 29th New York Infantry was noted for its early assignment to Blenker’s Brigade and later to Steinwehr’s Brigade, serving in both the Army of Virginia and the Army of the Potomac. The regiment was mustered out in New York City on June 23, 1863.

Organization & Service

The 29th New York Infantry was recruited in New York City and mustered into service on June 4 and 6, 1861. After organizing, the regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on June 21, 1861, and occupied Camp Dorsheimer until July 9. It then moved to Arlington Heights and was assigned to Blenker’s Brigade. The regiment was present in reserve at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, and subsequently returned to Washington.

One company was detached to operate the guns of Captain Varian’s battery and was later organized as the 1st Independent New York Battery. From July 26 to October 13, 1861, the regiment was stationed at Roach’s Mills, then moved through several camps before establishing winter quarters at Hunter’s Chapel on November 16. During this period, the regiment was assigned to Steinwehr’s Brigade.

In April 1862, Steinwehr’s Brigade, including the 29th New York, was ordered to join the Mountain Department. The regiment participated in the Battle of Cross Keys in June 1862. From June 26, 1862, it was attached to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 1st Corps, Army of Virginia, and took part in the campaign that included the engagement at Sulphur Springs and the Second Battle of Bull Run, where the regiment suffered significant casualties. After the campaign, the regiment encamped at Germantown from mid-September to December 1862, then moved to Falmouth and later established permanent quarters at Stafford Court House in February 1863.

From September 1862, the regiment served with the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 11th Corps, Army of the Potomac. In April 1863, it was ordered to protect the passage of the Rappahannock River at the opening of the Chancellorsville Campaign. The regiment was engaged at the Battle of Chancellorsville, after which it returned to Stafford Court House. On June 2, 1863, the regiment left for New York City and was mustered out on June 23, 1863.

Engagements & Campaigns

• First Battle of Bull Run (reserve)
• Battle of Cross Keys
• Sulphur Springs
• Second Battle of Bull Run
• Chancellorsville Campaign
• Battle of Chancellorsville

Casualties

The 29th New York Infantry had a total enrollment of 902 members during its two years of service. Of these, 42 were killed or died of wounds, and 22 died from accident, imprisonment, or disease. At the Second Battle of Bull Run, the regiment lost 20 killed, 95 wounded, and 17 missing. At Chancellorsville, it lost 96 killed, wounded, or missing. These figures are based on official reports and regimental histories.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Adolph Von Steinwehr
• Colonel Clemens Sorst
• Colonel Lewis Hartmann
• Lieutenant Colonel Clemens Sorst
• Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Hartmann
• Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Von Schluembach
• Major Louis Livingston
• Major William P. Wainwright
• Major Lewis Hartmann
• Major Ulrich Gullmann
• Major Alexander Von Schluembach
• Major Daniel Metzger

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 29th 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 as recorded in official state and federal records.

To view the complete roster, visit the 29th New York Infantry (Two Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Vol. 2, 9, 12, 19, 25, 27
• 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, Vol. 2 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908)