35Th New York Infantry

The 35th New York Infantry, also known as the "First Highlanders," was a regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was mustered into service on June 11, 1861, and was composed of men from various parts of New York State, with a strong contingent from the city of New York. The 35th New York Infantry was one of the many regiments that made up the Army of the Potomac, which played a crucial role in the war's outcome.

The regiment's early days were marked by training and preparation for the battles that lay ahead. They were equipped with the standard issue rifle, the Springfield Model 1861, and underwent rigorous drills to prepare them for the rigors of combat. The 35th New York Infantry was led by Colonel William S. Fuller, a veteran of the Mexican-American War, who would play a significant role in shaping the regiment's early days.

Early Battles and Campaigns

The 35th New York Infantry saw its first action at the First Battle of Bull Run, which took place on July 21, 1861. The battle was a decisive Confederate victory, and the regiment suffered heavy casualties. Despite this setback, the 35th New York Infantry regrouped and continued to fight, participating in several key battles and campaigns throughout the war.

In the spring of 1862, the regiment took part in the Peninsula Campaign, which was an attempt by the Union Army to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. The campaign was marked by a series of battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Williamsburg and the Battle of Seven Pines. The 35th New York Infantry played a significant role in these battles, helping to hold off the Confederate advances.

The Battle of Antietam

One of the most significant battles fought by the 35th New York Infantry was the Battle of Antietam, which took place on September 17, 1862. The battle was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with over 23,000 casualties. The 35th New York Infantry was part of the Union Army’s assault on the Confederate positions, and they suffered heavy casualties in the fighting.

Despite the heavy losses, the 35th New York Infantry continued to fight, and they played a significant role in the battle's outcome. The regiment's bravery and sacrifice were recognized by their commanders, and they were praised for their actions in the battle.

Later Campaigns and the End of the War

In the fall of 1862, the 35th New York Infantry took part in the Maryland Campaign, which was an attempt by the Union Army to drive the Confederates out of Maryland. The campaign was marked by a series of battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chancellorsville. The 35th New York Infantry played a significant role in these battles, helping to hold off the Confederate advances.

In the spring of 1863, the regiment took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign, which was an attempt by the Union Army to defeat the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. The campaign was marked by a series of battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Gettysburg. The 35th New York Infantry played a significant role in these battles, helping to hold off the Confederate advances.

The Battle of Gettysburg

One of the most significant battles fought by the 35th New York Infantry was the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. The battle was a decisive Union victory, and it marked a turning point in the war. The 35th New York Infantry was part of the Union Army’s defense of the high ground on Cemetery Ridge, and they played a significant role in repelling the Confederate advances.

Despite the heavy losses, the 35th New York Infantry continued to fight, and they played a significant role in the battle's outcome. The regiment's bravery and sacrifice were recognized by their commanders, and they were praised for their actions in the battle.