[Union Private, Eleventh New York Infantry (First Fire Zouaves)]

Unknown

May–June 1861 · Ambrotype with applied color · Photographs

This melancholy young volunteer was a member of the Eleventh New York Infantry, an early war regiment organized in New York City in May 1861. Primarily composed of volunteers from the city’s many fire companies, the men were also known as the First Fire Zouaves. Along with other volunteer units, the Eleventh helped capture Alexandria, Virginia on May 24, 1861, just a day after the state formally seceded from the Union.

Artist

Unknown

Date

May–June 1861

Medium

Ambrotype with applied color

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Purchase, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, by exchange, 2022