79th NYVI 1855-1870

The roots of the 79th New York Volunteer Infantry can be traced back to 1855, when it was initially organized as a militia regiment in New York City. The regiment was heavily composed of Scottish immigrants and Scottish-Americans, many of whom sought to maintain their traditions while serving in the U.S. military.

The regiment was heavily influenced by the Scottish community in New York and adopted many elements of Scottish military tradition, including Highland dress, bagpipes, and distinctive tartan trews. Their early years as a militia unit focused on drilling and parading, emphasizing both discipline and the maintenance of their ethnic heritage.

In 1861, as the American Civil War erupted, the regiment was mustered into Federal service on May 29, 1861, at the request of the U.S. government. James Cameron, the brother of Secretary of War Simon Cameron, was appointed as their colonel. The regiment was officially designated as the 79th New York Volunteer Infantry and soon became known as the "Highlanders" due to its Scottish identity.

Shortly after mustering in, the 79th New York was sent to Washington, D.C., where it participated in the First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861). The regiment fought bravely but suffered heavy casualties, including the loss of Colonel James Cameron, who was killed in action. The loss of their commander and the chaotic Union retreat dealt a severe blow to the regiment’s morale.

Following Bull Run, the regiment was placed under the command of Brigadier General Thomas W. Sherman and became part of Sherman’s Expeditionary Corps, eventually participating in operations along the South Carolina coast.

In late 1861 and early 1862, the Highlanders were deployed to Port Royal, South Carolina, where they participated in operations against Confederate fortifications. However, their time in South Carolina was marked by a mutiny in May 1862, when the regiment protested being stripped of its Highlander identity, including their kilts and unique uniform distinctions. The revolt was suppressed, and the regiment was eventually brought back into Union service under Colonel David Morrison.

In September 1862, the 79th New York was reassigned to the Army of the Potomac, serving in the 9th Corps under General Ambrose Burnside. Over the next two years, they fought in several key battles, including:

• Second Battle of Bull Run (August 1862)
• Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862) – Fought in the famous assault on Burnside’s Bridge, suffering significant casualties.
• Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862) – Participated in the costly Union assault against Marye’s Heights.
• Battle of Vicksburg (1863) – Though primarily an Eastern Theater unit, elements of the regiment were involved in Mississippi operations under the 9th Corps.
• Battle of the Wilderness & Spotsylvania (1864) – Engaged in brutal combat during Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign.

The regiment continued fighting in Virginia throughout 1864 and took part in the Siege of Petersburg. By early 1865, the regiment had been severely reduced in strength due to attrition and battlefield losses. It was eventually mustered out of service on June 14, 1865, in New York City.

After the Civil War, many surviving veterans of the 79th New York returned to New York City, where they continued to honor their Scottish and military traditions.

• Some members of the regiment joined local militia units and continued to serve in New York’s National Guard.
• The unit’s traditions were preserved through veteran organizations and Scottish-American societies, which kept the memory of the Highlanders alive.
• The regiment’s distinctive identity and battlefield heroism made it one of the most recognizable ethnic regiments of the Civil War.

By 1870, the spirit of the 79th Highlanders was still alive, with former members participating in veteran reunions and civic events, ensuring that their sacrifices were never forgotten.

 The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry "Highlanders" remains one of the most unique and distinguished regiments of the American Civil War. With their strong Scottish heritage, bravery in battle, and dedication to tradition, they made a lasting impact on Civil War history and the Scottish-American community. Their legacy continues today through historical reenactment groups and living history associations that honor their memory. 

• Bilby, Joseph G. The Civil War Musket: A Handbook for Historical Accuracy. Westholme Publishing, 2013.