Civil War Troy

Troy, NY during the Civil War[edit]

Troy, NY played a significant role during the Civil War. The citizens of Rensselaer County and the city of Troy were among the first to respond to the demands of patriotism when the national flag was assailed at Sumter. The intelligence of the attack reached Troy on Saturday, April 13, and was published in the afternoon edition of the Daily Times.

Effects of the Civil War on Troy’s Economy[edit]

The Civil War brought forth massive demands upon the industrialized North. During the Civil War, Troy played an important role in supporting the Union war effort through its manufacturing industry. John Griswold, proprietor of the Rensselaer Iron Works, and John Winslow, proprietor of the Albany Iron Works, were involved in the promotion, investment in and construction of the new iron naval vessel the Monitor . Parts of the Monitor were manufactured in different locations, but the gun turret and some of the side panels for the Monitor were constructed in Troy.

The Great Fire of Troy (1862)[edit]

On May 10, 1862, much of downtown Troy, New York was destroyed by a fire that became known as the worst fire the city has ever experienced . The fire started when sparks from a steam engine set fire to the wooden bridge to Green Island. A strong wind spread the flames across the city . By nightfall, over 500 houses, stores and businesses on seventy-five acres were no more than smoking ruins.

The damage caused by the fire was approximately $3,000,000 . The fire had a significant impact on the city and its residents. Despite this tragedy, Troy quickly rebuilt, fueled by the need to get production back up for the Civil War. Troy’s citizens were generally enthusiastic supporters of the Union war effort and played an important role in supporting the war through its manufacturing industry.

Regiments of Troy[edit]

The 2nd New York Regiment, more commonly known as the Troy Regiment, was a volunteer infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was organized in Troy, New York, and was mustered into the U.S. service on May 14, 1861, at Camp Willard, Troy, with nearly 800 men enlisted for a term of two years.

The Troy Regiment was led by Colonel Joseph B. Carr, who later became a brigadier general, and was composed of ten companies, each with a distinct letter designation (A through K, excluding J). Many of the men in the regiment were recruited from Rensselaer County and its surrounding areas, with some companies hailing from Albany and Saratoga Counties.

On May 18, 1861, the regiment left Troy for New York City, where they embarked on a transport ship bound for Fortress Monroe, a Union stronghold located in Virginia. Upon arrival, they established an encampment at Mill Creek and participated in their first major engagement, the Battle of Big Bethel, on June 10, 1861. Though the Union forces suffered a defeat in this battle, it marked the beginning of the regiment's active service in the Civil War.

Throughout the war, the Troy Regiment fought in numerous battles and skirmishes, including the Peninsula Campaign, the Battle of Williamsburg, the Battle of Seven Pines, and the Seven Days Battles. They were also involved in the defense of Washington, D.C., and took part in the pursuit of Confederate General Robert E. Lee after the Battle of Gettysburg.

The Troy Regiment's term of service came to an end on May 26, 1863, with many of its members choosing to re-enlist in other units or return home to civilian life. The regiment's contributions and sacrifices during the American Civil War were significant, with a total of 123 men killed in action, 70 men dying from disease or accidents, and countless others wounded or captured.

Other notable regiments include the 125th New York Regiment and the 169th New York Regiment. The 125th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized in Troy, New York and mustered into service on August 27, 1862. The regiment was involved in several major battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of Gettysburg. The 169th New York Infantry Regiment was organized at Troy and Staten Island, New York. Companies A through E were mustered on September 25, 1862, at Troy. Companies F through K were mustered in October 6, 1862, at Staten Island 12. The regiment was mustered in under the command of Colonel Clarence Buell and participated in the Battle of Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, and the Second Battle of Fort Fisher.