An Immigrant Regiment in the Civil War: The Extraordinary Story of the 15th New York Engineers

A Thousand May Fall: An Immigrant Regiment's Civil War: Life, Death, and Survival in the Union Army

by Brian Matthew Jordan

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26015 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	374 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

The 15th New York Engineers was an extraordinary regiment of the Civil War, composed of immigrants from all over the world. They fought in some of the most important battles of the war, and their story is one of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

Formation of the Regiment

The 15th New York Engineers was organized in New York City in the spring of 1861, shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War. The regiment was commanded by Colonel James Serrell, a West Point graduate and civil engineer. Serrell was a strict disciplinarian, but he was also a fair and compassionate leader. He was determined to make the 15th New York Engineers the best regiment in the Union Army.

The regiment was composed of a diverse group of men from all over the world. There were Germans, Irish, Poles, Italians, and Hungarians. There were also a number of native-born Americans, but they were a minority. The men of the 15th New York Engineers spoke a variety of languages and came from different cultures, but they were united by their common goal of fighting for the Union.

Training and Deployment

The 15th New York Engineers trained at Fort Schuyler in New York City. They were drilled in infantry tactics, artillery, and engineering. They also learned how to build bridges, roads, and fortifications. In the summer of 1861, the regiment was deployed to the Virginia Peninsula. They participated in the Siege of Yorktown and the Battle of Williamsburg.

Battle of Antietam

The 15th New York Engineers distinguished themselves at the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. The regiment was assigned to build a bridge across Antietam Creek. The bridge was essential for the Union Army to cross the creek and attack the Confederate forces. The men of the 15th New York Engineers worked tirelessly to complete the bridge under heavy fire. They were finally able to complete the bridge, and the Union Army was able to cross Antietam Creek and win the battle.

Battle of Gettysburg

The 15th New York Engineers also fought in the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. The regiment was assigned to defend the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. The Confederates launched a series of attacks on Cemetery Ridge, but the 15th New York Engineers held their ground. They helped to repulse the Confederate attacks and played a key role in the Union victory at Gettysburg.

Later Service

The 15th New York Engineers continued to serve in the Union Army until the end of the Civil War. They fought in a number of other battles, including the Battle of the Wilderness, the Battle of Spotsylvania, and the Battle of Cold Harbor. The regiment was mustered out of service in June 1865.

Legacy

The 15th New York Engineers was one of the most distinguished regiments of the Civil War. They fought in some of the most important battles of the war, and they played a key role in the Union victory. The regiment was composed of a diverse group of men from all over the world, and their story is one of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

The legacy of the 15th New York Engineers lives on today. The regiment is remembered for its bravery and its contributions to the Union victory. The regiment's story is a reminder of the important role that immigrants have played in American history.

A Thousand May Fall: An Immigrant Regiment's Civil War: Life, Death, and Survival in the Union Army

by Brian Matthew Jordan

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26015 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	374 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE