5th New York Monument

The 5th New York Monument

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Manassas, Virginia

Significance:

Civil War Monument

Designation:

National Battlefield Park

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The 5th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment was mustered into United States service on April 23, 1861. A colorful zouave unit organized through the efforts of Abram Duryée, a wealthy New York merchant and leader of the 27th Regiment New York State Militia (the 7th Regiment, New York National Guard today). The regiment, resplendent in their elaborately braided blue jackets and baggy red trousers, boasted a high number of college educated and professional men as they departed for war.

On August 30, 1862, during the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), the 5th New York, the regiment found itself in the path of Longstreet's massive Confederate counterattack. Together with the 10th New York, the 5th found themselves supporting a lone artillery battery (Hazlett's Battery D, 5th U.S. Artillery). Posted to the left rear of the battery, the 5th New York was struck by several thousand Confederates of Hood's Texas Brigade. Vainly trying to hold their position against overwhelming numbers, the 5th New York was virtually wiped out in a few minutes of combat. The regiment lost 124 men killed/mortally wounded and 223 wounded out of 594. The number of men killed or mortally wounded is considered the greatest loss of life in any Union infantry regiment in any single action of the Civil War.


Inscription:
Erected by the State of New York
September 29, 1906,
to commemorate the heroic services of the
5th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry
(Duryee Zouaves)
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Here, about 4 p.m. August 30, 1862, the regiment, 482 strong, supported Hazlett's Battery, "D" 5th U.S. Artillery, when attacked by a Division of the victorious Confederates. The Regiment stubbornly withstood this force, and checked its advance, until the Battery had withdrawn.

In holding this position, the regiment suffered the greatest loss of life sustained by any infantry regiment, in any battle, during the entire Civil War.

The casualties were: killed or mortally wounded, 124; wounded 223. Both color bearers, and seven out of eight of the color guard were killed; but the colors were brought with honor, off the field.