A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 71st REGIMENT NGSNY
The 71st Regiment of Infantry NGSNY was formed on October 23, 1850 in New York City. In those days, it was part of the state's Militia. In the beginning, there were only three companies. As a battalion, the group was assigned to the 1st Calvalry NYSM. By 1852, there were eight companies. Therefore, the 71st could stand by itself.
Its first colonel was Abram Vosburgh. The Regiment was called into service during the Civil War in 1861, 1862, and 1863. Colonel Vosburgh died as a result of enemy action in May of 1861, becoming one of the Civil War's fi rst casualties, (615,000 would follow). The 71st fought in the first Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861; defended Washington, D.C. in 1862; and fought in the Pennsylvania Campaign of 1863.
When the Spanish American War began,in April 1898, our group was the first Regiment to volunteer for service and fought in Cuba. The Regiment captured San Juan Hill, (contrary to the Rough Rider legend). The only New York casualties of that war were incurred by the 71st group. A large monument commemorating that service is located at the Regiment's cemetery plot in New York's Weschester County - Mt. Hope Cemetery.
During World War I, our Regiment served in both France and Belgium, (within the 27th Division). Our men logged over 200 consecutive days of combat during World War II, (as members of the 44th Division), in France, Austria, and Germany.
When the National Guard was reorganized, after World War II, the 71st served in the 42nd "Rainbow" Division. It was the first on call for the Berlin Crisis,(early 1960's), as well as the Cuban Missle Crisis of 1962.
Headquarters for the 71st Regiment were based in New York City, (Manhattan), from 1850 - 1988. From there the H.Q. moved to Freeport Long Island, until the Regiment was disbanded on August 31, 1993. Throughout its active history, the 71st Regiment remained a part of New York's National Guard.
Currently, our Veterans Association, (established in 1869), has 200 active members nation-wide.
THE VETERAN ASSOCIATION OF THE 71ST REGIMENT NGSNY
Our Association was formed by the Regiment's veterans of the Civil War in 1869. Current membership includes veterans of World War II, as well as the post war era. Membership is open to all who have served with the 71st, throughout its history. Members receive newsletters which keep everyone up-to-date on current happenings, as well as articles about the Regiment's past. Along with membership, comes an invitation to our annual dinner.
Association dues are $8.00 per year. If you would like your name to appear on the Booster List in our bulletin, dues are $10.00, annually.
COME JOIN YOUR REGIMENT ONCE MORE!
For additional information contact: Clarence G. Anspake, Jr., President, 71st Regiment Veterans Association - email: Anspake@aol.com or by phone: (516)785-2593.
PRO ARIS ET PRO FOCIS
(For our Country and our Families)
