Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Union Soldier Photograph, Ms2010-005, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Union Soldier Photograph was purchased by Special Collections in 2009.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Union Soldier Photograph commenced and was completed in February 2010.

Administrative History

Although the collection contains no specific personal identification information of the soldier in the photograph, a handwritten notation on the back of the photo indicates that the soldier may have been enlisted in the 45th regiment of the New York Infantry. The 45th regiment was organized in New York City, where it was recruited almost entirely of Germans, and mustered in the service of the United States for three years term commencing on September 9, 1861, during the American Civil War. On October 9, 1861 the regiment left camp at Jones' Wood for duty in defense of Washington, D. C and northern Virginia. The regiment fought in the battles of Cross Keys, Groveton, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wauhatchie, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, and Nashville. The regiment consolidated forces with the 58th regiment on June 30, 1865. During the term of service, the regiment lost 53 by death from wounds and 108 by death from other causes.

External sources:

National Park Service. "Union New York Volunteers: 45th Regiment, New York Infantry." National Park Services' The Civil War. https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=UNY0045RI , accessed April 20, 2023.

"45th Infantry Regiment Nickname: Fifth German Regiment Or Rifles; Howe's Rifles". New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center. https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/unit-history/infantry/45th-infantry-regiment , accessed April 20, 2023.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of a photograph of a Union soldier during the American Civil War. A note handwritten on the back of the photograph reads "45th NY, Co. B" with an advertisement for C.G. Gunther's Sons which may have been used to keep the photo in place.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
• United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 45th (1861-1865)

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Union Soldier Photograph by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).