59th New York Infantry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 59th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) was an infantry regiment organized in New York City for the Union Army during the American Civil War. Mustered into service between August 2 and October 30, 1861, the regiment drew its ranks from several pre-existing organizations, including the U.S. Vanguard, President’s Life Guard, U.S. Volunteers, Union Guard, Cameron Highlanders, Kossuth Guards, and Cameron Legion. The 59th New York served primarily in the Eastern Theater and participated in many of the major campaigns of the Army of the Potomac.

The regiment was known as the “Union Guards” and was recognized for its heavy engagement and losses in key battles. It was consolidated with other units during its service and continued to serve until the end of the war, mustering out on June 30, 1865.

Organization & Service

The 59th New York Infantry was organized in New York City and mustered into United States service for three years between August 2 and October 30, 1861. The regiment departed for Washington, D.C., on November 19, 1861, and was initially attached to General Wadsworth’s division, performing duty in the defenses of Washington until August 1862.

During its early service, the regiment was successively attached to the 2nd Brigade, Casey’s Division, 4th Corps; Sturgis’ Brigade; and the 4th Brigade, Sigel’s Division, Department of the Shenandoah. In July 1862, it was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Potomac. The 59th first saw front-line action at Malvern Hill and soon after fought at Antietam, where it suffered severe losses. The regiment participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862 and spent the winter near Falmouth, Virginia.

In May 1863, the regiment was engaged in the Chancellorsville Campaign. Due to heavy casualties, it was consolidated into four companies on June 25, 1863. On July 4, 1863, the veterans and recruits of the 82nd New York Infantry (five companies) and one company of new recruits were added to the regiment. The 59th New York fought at Gettysburg, Auburn, Bristoe Station, Blackburn’s Ford, and Mine Run. Many members reenlisted during the winter of 1863–64, and the regiment continued as a veteran organization.

Throughout 1864 and 1865, the 59th New York participated in the Wilderness Campaign and subsequent operations, including battles at Spotsylvania, North Anna, Totopotomoy, Cold Harbor, and the Siege of Petersburg. The regiment was engaged at the Weldon Railroad, Deep Bottom, Strawberry Plains, Reams’ Station, Boydton Road, and Hatcher’s Run. It was present at the final assault on Petersburg and was stationed at Munson’s Hill, Virginia, when mustered out on June 30, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington (1861–1862)
• Malvern Hill
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville Campaign
• Gettysburg
• Auburn
• Bristoe Station
• Blackburn’s Ford
• Mine Run Campaign
• Wilderness Campaign
• Spotsylvania
• North Anna
• Totopotomoy
• Cold Harbor
• Siege of Petersburg
• Weldon Railroad
• Deep Bottom
• Strawberry Plains
• Reams’ Station
• Boydton Road
• Hatcher’s Run
• Final Assault on Petersburg

Casualties

• Killed or mortally wounded: 141
• Died of accident, imprisonment, or disease: 130 (including 64 who died in Confederate prisons)
• Total known deaths: 271

Casualty figures are based on official reports and regimental histories. If other sources provide different numbers, those are not reflected here.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel William Linn Tidball
• Colonel William Northedge
• Colonel Henry W. Hudson
• Colonel William A. Olmstead
• Lieutenant Colonel Philip I. Joachimsen
• Lieutenant Colonel John L. Stetson
• Lieutenant Colonel Max A. Thomain
• Lieutenant Colonel Horace P. Rugg
• Lieutenant Colonel James A. Jewell
• Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Huggins
• Major William Northedge
• Major Max A. Thomain
• Major James H. Purdy
• Major William McFadden
• Major Michael H. Donovan
• Major William T. Simms

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 59th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details as recorded in official sources.

To view the complete roster, visit the 59th New York Infantry (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 11, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 36, 40, 46 (reports and correspondence relating to the 59th New York Infantry)
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report, Annual Reports for 1861–1865
• 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