7th New York Militia Regiment

Known as the "Silk Stocking" regiment, the 7th Regiment of the New York Militia served as an infantry unit in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The 7th Militia was a pre-war New York Militia unit that was drafted into federal service for the Civil War. It was often referred to as the "Blue-Bloods" because a large number of its soldiers belonged to the social elite of New York City.

 Creation 
During the chaos caused by the British shooting at American warships off Sandy Hook in April 1806, the regiment, which is based in New York City, was established as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th companies. On June 25, 1861, they became part of the state's uniformed militia and were assigned to the First Brigade of the Battalion of Artillery, which was commanded by Maj. Andrew Sitcher. 

The battalion changed its name to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment of Artillery, New York State Militia on April 5, 1807. These four companies, along with additional volunteers, were temporarily put together as a regiment under the leadership of Col. Peter Curtenius in 1807 when tensions with the United Kingdom escalated.

The battalion changed its name again, this time to the Battalion of National Guards, on August 25th 1824, a name which it kept until 1862. They started wearing gray uniforms at the same time, and said that they planned to become a regiment. By December of 1824, two more companies (groups of soldiers) had joined them.

 References 

 Other websites 

 New York State Military Museum, 7th Regiment New York State Militia
 1863 photo

Category:New York National Guard
Category:Military of the United States
Category:American Civil War