Description

Civil War Photograph of Staff Officers of the 170th New York Volunteer Infantry 

Unpublished, full-plate albumen photograph, identified on the print mount verso in period ink Field and Staff/ 170th Regt N.Y.V./ Union Mills/ Virginia/ February 1864, 6.25 x 8.25 in., mounted, 10 x 12 in.

The 170th New York Volunteer Infantry was mustered into service at Staten Island, NY on October 7, 1862. In 1862 and 1863, it was active in and around Newport News, Suffolk, and Carrsville, VA. The 170th also served with Gen. John A. Dix in the Virginia Peninsular Campaign and as part of the protection of Washington. In 1864, the regiment was dispatched to guard the Orange & Alexandria railroad. Union Mills, VA was a strategically important point for the Confederate Army in that the Orange & Alexandria RR ran through the village and it was a defensive position for Manassas Junction. The Union Army recognized this strategic position as well and sent the 170th NYV Infantry to keep the railroad line open. It is at Union Mills, VA in February of 1864 that this photograph was taken. The print depicts some of the staff officers of the 170th New York at their field headquarters.

The regiment stayed at Union Mills until May of 1864, then joined the Army of the Potomac and fought at Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, and various positions around Petersburg, VA. The 170th was present at Appomattox Court House during the surrender of Lee's Army and had the distinction of marching in the Grand Review in Washington at the close of the war. It was mustered out on July 15, 1865. 

Condition

Light, even toning to print.