New York During the Civil War by Avah Terraciano

New York Involvement in the Civil War

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:23:40 UTC

New York was less directly involved in the war than other states. On April 15, 1861, President Lincoln ordered 75,000 soldiers from throughout the Union. While most of New York's military were mostly serving as a supporting role, many New York volunteers fought in the battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. In addition, because of their prowess in manufacturing, New York was a major supplier for the Union's army. Not only this, but they had a large role in both creating and repairing the Union ships.

Effect of Civil War on New York

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:25:00 UTC

The Civil War had a negative effect on the general population of New York. In 1863, Lincoln passed a new law which stated that every male citizen between the ages of 20 to 35 plus all unmarried male citizens between the ages of 35 to 45 were subject to being drafted into the Union military. In response, in July 1863, there were five days of riots in New York City against this law. The riots were most harshly targeted upon Black people. While the official death count from these riots is 119, estimates suggest that it could have been even as high as 1,200 people.

New York Regiments

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:25:59 UTC

New York had many Regiments involved in the war. One of these was the 126th Regiment. Soldiers from this regiment were recruited from Seneca, Yates, and Ontario, and served for a total of three years. On August 22, 1862, the Regiment officially began, and in June, 1863, they combined with the II Corps in the Army of the Potomac. They fought in the siege of Harpers Ferry, the battles of Gettysburg, North Anna, Petersburg, Appomattox, Cold Harbor, and Totopotomoy.

Other Regiments included:

The 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, which had a major role in the battle of the Second Bull Run; the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry, which served at the First Battle of Bull Run; and the 121st New York Infantry Regiment, which fought during the battles of Wilderness and Spotsylvania.

In all, New York had 235 total Infantry Regiments.

William Henry Seward

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:26:43 UTC

William Henry Seward was the Governor of New York from the years 1839 to 1843. He was well known for being very liberal in how he made his policies. A notable opinion of his was that he believed that the United States could not be both a both slave and free nation. Not only that; he also persuaded states into not recognizing the Confederacy as a separate country. These opinions and actions are one of many influences on the New York politics.

In 1849, he was a Whig party senator. After the Whig and Republican party combined, he was considered twice to become a presidential candidate, but never actually became president. In 1860, he was appointed Secretary of State by Abraham Lincoln.

New York Contributions

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:27:05 UTC

There were 409,561 total troops in the New York Regiments. While New York had no battles within its borders, it was considered one of if not the most important provider of men and supplies for the Civil War.

New York also held the Elmira Prison, used by the Union as a camp for prisoners of war. The prison began in 1864 and a total of 12,122 prisoners had been kept at the camp. However, the conditions of this camp were extremely inhumane. Many prisoners were forced to sleep in tents, with barely enough food and bad sanitation. By the time the war ended, 2,917 prisoners had died in the camp.

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:35:19 UTC

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:36:29 UTC

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:45:39 UTC

avahterracian — 2024-01-03 18:51:23 UTC

avahterracian — 2024-01-04 01:16:31 UTC

Fernando Wood

avahterracian — 2024-01-09 13:35:02 UTC

Tammany Hall had become a powerful influence over the Democratic Party and in turn a powerful influence over New York City politics. During the war, Tammany Hall was in the control of Fernando Wood, the Mayor of New York. He won the 1854 mayoral election, and was even re-elected in the elections of 1856 and 1859. Favoring the Confederacy, he was nicknamed a "Copperhead" by Republicans. Keeping with this theme, he even put forward the idea that New York City should secede from the Union entirely.

avahterracian — 2024-01-09 18:23:51 UTC

Summary

avahterracian — 2024-01-09 18:27:17 UTC

New York was an important resource for the Union Army during the Civil War. Despite having no battles, New York found other ways to support its country. However, not all people in the state supported the war, and riots broke out to voice their hatred for the new laws. They had powerful people on both sides of the argument, leaving political stances in the state very diverse. Nevertheless, New York was invaluable to the North.

The Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas)

avahterracian — 2024-01-11 02:29:18 UTC

New York troops participated in the First Battle of Bull Run. This battle ended in a Confederacy win, with the Union having more casualties and over a thousand men lost or captured. During the battle, the Union troops were led by Irvin McDowell and the Confederates were led by P. G. T. Beauregard. The Union forces had minimal experience but still marched on to attack the Confederates stationed behind Bull Run Creek. While the Union originally held the advantage in the battle, they soon lost it as their enemy targeted their artillery. Here, Thomas J. Jackson, a general for the Confederates, was given his famous name "stonewall" after being noted to have stood like a stone wall during the battle. In the end, the Union retreated.

avahterracian — 2024-01-11 02:32:25 UTC

The Battle of Gettysburg

avahterracian — 2024-01-11 02:52:59 UTC

Troops from New York participated in the Battle of Gettysburg. This battle ended in a Union victory. It was the bloodiest battle (most casualties) of the Civil War. The Union was led by George G. Meade and the Confederates were led by Robert E. Lee. In the battle, General Lee and his army marched North to invade the Union territory, seeking supplies. On day one, the Confederated outnumbered and overwhelmed the Union, who pulled back. On the second day, the Union took a defensive position as the Confederates attacked. Despite the ferocity of the Confederates soldiers, the Union held their ground. On day three, the fighting continued, with the Union trying to gain back land they had lost. Lee led his men through undefended land to attack and were viciously cut down by the enemy troops. Eventually, the Confederacy retreated. There were a total of 51,112 casualties on both sides.