Guarding Ossabaw Island: History and Archaeology of the 47th N.Y.V.I. Camp

The Ossabaw Island Database includes the artifacts recovered during the course of two archaeological surveys conducted by the faculty, staff, and students of Morehead State University and Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus in 2025 and 2026, and the documents collected as part of the Ossabaw Island Public History Project. The following on-line catalogue shares the artifacts associated with the camp of the 47th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was stationed at Ossabaw Island from February to July 1863.

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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

1855 William Hughes Map

William Hughes

A handdrawn map of Ossabaw Island by William Hughes on April 18, 1855.
1863-03-12 Wilmington Journal

Wilmington Journal (Wilmington, NC)

An article on the Federal camp at Ossabaw Island published in the Wilmington Journal from March 12, 1863.

Wilmington Journal. March 12, 1863.
1863-04-01 Sandersville Central Georgian

Sandersville Central Georgian (Sandersville, GA)

An article on the Federal camp at Ossabaw Island published in the Sandersville Central Georgian from April 1, 1863.

“Capture of Yankees.” Sandersville Central Georgian. April 1, 1863.
1863-04-01 Yorkville Inquirer

Yorkville Inquirer (Yorkville, SC)

An article on communications to the Federal camp at Ossabaw Island published in the Yorkville Inquirer on April 1, 1863.

Yorkville Inquierer. April 1, 1863.
1863-04-07 Augusta Weekly Chronicle & Sentinel

Augusta Weekly Chronicle & Sentinel (Augusta, GA )

An article on the Federal camp at Ossabaw Island published in the Augusta Weekly Chronicle & Sentinel on April 7, 1863.

Augusta Weekly Chronicle and Sentinel. Augusta, April 7, 1863.
1863-04-08 New York Tribune

New York Tribune (New York, NY)

An article on the Federal camp at Ossabaw Island published in the New York Tribune on April 8, 1863.

“From Port Royal.” New York Tribune. April 8, 1863.
1863-04-24 Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL)

An article on the Federal camp at Ossabaw Island published in the Chicago Tribune on April 4, 1863.

“Arrival of Yankee Prisoners.” Chicago Tribune. April 24, 1863.
1863-05-25 Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune (Chicago,IL)

An article on the Federal camp at Ossabaw Island published in the Chicago Tribune on May 25, 1863.

“From Gen. Hunter's Command.” Chicago Tribune. May 25, 1863.
1863-05-26 Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the Chicago Tribune on May 26. 1863.

Chicago Tribune, “Not Hung,” May 26, 1863.
1863-06-06 Portland Daily Press

Portland Daily Press (Portland, MA)

An article on the Federal Camp at Ossabaw Island published in the Portland Daily Press on June 6, 1863.

“Notice to Mariners.” Portland Daily Press, June 6, 1863.
1863-06-20 The New South

The New South (Port Royal S.C.)

An article on the Federal Camp at Ossabaw Island published in The New South on June 20, 1863.

“A Monster Turtle.” The New South. June 23, 1863.
1863-06-24 Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL)

An article on the Federal Camp at Ossabaw Island published in the Chicago Tribune on June 24, 1863.

Chicago Tribune, “The Atlanta nee Fingal,” June 24, 1863
1863-06-24 New York Herald

New York Herald (New York, NY)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the New York Herald on June 24, 1863.

New York Herald, “Interesting from South Carolina,” June 24, 1863.
1863-06-25 Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the Chicago Tribune on June 26. 1863.

Chicago Tribune, “Miscellaneous,” June 25, 1863.
1863-06-26 Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the Chicago Tribune on June 26. 1863.

Chicago Tribune, June 26, 1863.
1863-07-01 Clearfield Raftman's Journal

The New South (Port Royal, S.C.)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in The New South on July 1, 1863

The New South, “Capture of The Atlanta, or FIngal,” July 1, 1863.
1863-07-02 Litchfield Enquirer

Litchfield Enquirer (Litchfield, CT)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the Litchfield Enquirer on July 2, 1863.

Litchfield Enquirer, “Narrow Escape of Two Scouts,” July 2, 1863.
1863-07-02 Rutland Weekly Herald

Rutland Weekly Herald (Rutland, VT)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the Rutland Weekly Herald on July 2. 1863.

Rutland Weekly Herald, May 26, 1863.
1863-07-05 Savannah Republican

Savannah Republican (Savannah, GA)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the Savannah Republican on July 5. 1863.

Savannah Republican, July 5, 1863.
1863-08-14 California Farmer

J. K. Phillips & Co.

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences on August 14. 1863.

Warren, Colonel, ed. California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences. August 18, 1863, Vol. XX
1863-08-14 Savannah Daily Republican

Savannah Daily Republican (Savannah, GA)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the Chicago Tribune on May 26. 1863.

Savannah Daily Republican, “Ossabaw,” July 20, 1863.
1863-08-14 Savannah Morning News

Savannah Morning News (Savannah, GA)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the Savannah Morning News on August 14. 1863.

Savannah Morning News, “Honor to Georgia Soldiers,” August 14, 1863.
1863-10-04 New York Dispatch

New York Dispatch (New York, NY)

An article on the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island published in the New York Dispatch on October 4. 1863.

New York Dispatch, October 4, 1863.
1868 US Coast Survey

House of Representative (Washington, D.C.)

A report on U.S. Coast Survey of 1868 published by The House of Representative in 1871.

United States Coast Survey. Report of the Superintendent of the United States Coast Survey, Showing the Progress of the Survey during the Year 1868. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1871
1875 Sailing Directions

Alexander George Findlay

An article on sailing directions around Ossabaw Sound and navigating the Federal Camp on Ossabaw Island, published in 1875 by Alexander George Findlay.

Findlay, Alexander George. Sailing Directory for the Coast of the United States, between Boston and the Mississippi, Including the Gulf of Florida, and the Coast of Cuba to Havana. Reprint of the original 1875 edition. Frankfurt, Germany: Outlook Verlag GmbH, 2024.