72nd New York

Volunteer Infantry

General Daniel Sickles formed the Excelsior Brigade, which included the 72nd New York Infantry Regiment, to fight for the Union in the Civil War. The brigade, composed primarily of New York volunteers. General Sickles eventually rose to command the entire Third Corp and was severely wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg where he lost a leg. 

Colonel William O. Stevens led the 72nd New York at the Battle of Chancellorsville, where he was mortally wounded on May 3rd, 1863. He died the following day, May 4th, 1863 at Dowdall's Tavern.

Nelson Taylor commanded the regiment from the begining to just before Fredricksburg in December of 1862. Taylor would eventually rise to the rank of brigadier general.

Doctor C. K. Irwine was the surgeon of the 72nd New York. Doctor Irwine can be seen seated to the right of the tent pole while the assistant surgeon faces him on the left.

Colonel John S. Austin (second from the left) took command of the 72nd following the death of Col. Stevens at Chancellorsville. Colonel William R. Brewster (seated second from the right) commanded the Excelsior Brigade from Gettysburg on.

Recruiting poster for the 72nd New York from 1861. The regiment was comprised primarily of men from Chautauqua County New York.