1st Regiment, New York State Militia

United States  U.S. Military   New York    New York Military   New York in the Civil War

Brief History
Thw Legislature by act approved April 16, 1861, authorized the organization of thirty-eight regiments of volunteer militia for a service of two years. These organizations were eventually all accepted by the United States government, although objections were raised, first that men were wanted for three months only and later that men were wanted for three years. The officers of these thirty-eight regiments were, under the Militia Laws of the State, elected by the officers and enlisted men and then appointed by the Governor, until an act of Congress conferred the absolute power of appointment of officers of volunteer organizations in the service of the United States upon the Governor of the State which furnished them.

The armed and uniformed portion of the militia of the State was, at the breaking out of the war, known as the "Militia" An act of the Legislature, approved April 23, 1862, changed this designation to "National Guard," which is still the designation of the armed, uniformed and organized military force of the State.

"Compendium of the War of the Rebellion" by Frederick H. Dyer contains no history for this unit

Companies in this Regiment with the Counties of Origin
Men often enlisted in a company recruited in the counties where they lived though not always. After many battles, companies might be combined because so many men were killed or wounded. However if you are unsure which company your ancestor was in, try the company recruited in his county first.