6th New York Volunteer Infantry


The 6th New York Infantry Regiment, also called "Wilson's Zouaves", was a unit of the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was organized at New York City on May 25, 1861. The Regiment was composed of 5 initial companies of A, B, C, and D. Companies E, F, G, H, I, and K were added May 25, 1861. It was made up primarily of gang members, ex-cons, and criminals from the Bowery section of New York City. Rumor had it that a man had to prove he'd served time in jail before he was allowed to join.

Santa Rosa Island

From June 15 through June 23, 1861, the regiment left New York state and moved to Santa Rosa Island, Florida, where they were attached to:
The 6th was ordered back to New York City for muster out, mustered out at New York City June 25, 1863, expiration of term.