The 47th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, known as the "Washington Grays," was formed in 1861 and served throughout the Civil War, participating in numerous campaigns across the South. Initially recruited in New York City and Brooklyn, the regiment was mustered into service in September 1861 and saw action in key locations such as Hilton Head, Edisto Island, James Island, and Fort Wagner. The regiment endured significant losses, particularly at the Battle of Olustee in Florida, and later took part in major operations in Virginia, including the battles of Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Over its four years of service, the 47th New York was involved in both combat and garrison duties, suffering a total of 250 deaths from battle and disease before being mustered out in August 1865.
During 1863, the 47th New York was stationed on Ossabaw Island, Georgia, where they were primarily engaged in constructing fortifications, performing picket and guard duty, and supporting naval operations. The regiment faced harsh environmental conditions, including disease, challenging terrain, and wildlife, which affected their ability to perform camp duties. Notable events included the construction of Battery Seymour, skirmishes with Confederate forces, and the capture of some of their men. The 47th’s time on Ossabaw Island was marked by both military activity and the daily hardships of soldiering in the coastal South during the Civil War.
Photographs by Serenity Jo Baughman
Metadata for artifacts and research materials by Emma McClure and Joan Rose
-
026.052-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
2 piece 14mm Eagle button with shield, loop intact
-
026.053-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
2 piece 14.6 mm Eagle button with shield, loop intact, back marked "EXTRA QUALITY"
-
026.054-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Brass company "B" Kepi letter
-
026.056-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Small bent nail, possibly for shoe heel
-
026.057-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Carved Minie ball chess piece, conical truncated base
-
026.059-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Salt glazed stoneware fragments, brown interior
-
026.060-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Hinge-broken tip of large spoon, flattened
-
026.061-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Olive green blob top bottle neck, hand blown, no seam
-
026.062-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Copper "T" head square cut nail
-
026.063-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Copper "T" head square cut nail
-
026.064-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Copper "T" head square cut nail
-
026.066-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Round head square nail, slightly bent
-
026.068-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Round nail head, shaped into hook
-
026.069-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Round head square nail, slightly bent
-
026.070-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Round head brass rod with brass washer
-
026.073-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Thin brass plate with 2 holes, 1 of which is possibly a 22-caliber bullet hole, slightly bent
-
026.074-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Thin brass plate with 4 mounting holes, bent
-
026.075-OSSABAW
Morehead State University History Department (Morehead, KY)
Brass "M" or "W" shaped flat wire
-
1855 William Hughes Map
William Hughes
A handdrawn map of Ossabaw Island by William Hughes on April 18, 1855.
