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Welcome to the Homepage of The 79th New York Infantry, Co. A, East Tennessee |
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Written by Searle Patton
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Tuesday, 08 May 2007 |
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 The 79th New York Cameron Highlanders consisted primarily of emigrant Scots, Irish, and persons of Celtic heritage, and was originally organized in the mid 19th century. The pre-war militia unit modeled itself after the British Army's 79th Cameron Highlanders, adopting that unit's numerical designation of 79. In addition, the New Yorkers adopted the Cameron of Erracht tartan, the same pattern used by the British regiment.
The 79th New York was one of the first volunteer units to rush to the colors after the fall of Fort Sumter, and, 795 men strong, was mustered into Federal service in May of 1861.
Over the course of the war, the Highlanders would lose 502 men, killed, wounded or missing. They would also earn the respect of their fellow soldiers, and a reputation as one of the hardest fighting regiments in the army.
In keeping with its Scottish identity, the 79th dress uniform consisted of Cameron of Erracht kilts or trousers ( knowns as trews ), glengarry caps and the Highland cut tunic (doublet).
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 05 November 2011 )
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Written by Searle Patton
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Tuesday, 30 November 1999 |
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 The 79th New York of today is a respected member of the reenacting community. Our members hail from several states, and come from all walks of life but we all share a common love of history. Our unit strives to be historically accurate and utilizes extensive archaeological evidence as well as written histories and documentation.
We have a good working relationship with many units in East Tennessee and around the country. We are a member of the 79th Battalion, comprising 79th units across the country. We are also a member of the Army of the French Broad, an umbrella organization of Federal reenacting units in the South.
The 79th New York takes part in several yearly reenactments in the Southeast, and has taken part in such national-level events as the 140th and 145th Anniversary Battles of Antietam, 135th, 140th and 150th Anniversary Battles of Bull Run, Battle of Chickamuga and 140th Anniversary Battle of Franklin among many others. Also, we have attended events at both national and state parks, including Fort Sumter, Fort Fisher State Historic Site in North Carolina and Port Hudson State Historic Site in Louisiana.
So, please explore our site, we hope that you enjoy your visit. If you have information to share, need assistance with research, or are interested in joining us, please contact us, we will be glad to assist in any way we can.
The Union Forever, and Scotland a Little Longer!
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 31 July 2011 )
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