The 104th New York Volunteer Infantry Monument at Antietam: In Need of Repairs

The 104th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a consolidation of the Morgan Guards and the Geneseo, Regiment, Wadsworth Guards, was recruited from Albany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Rensselaer, and Steuben Counties in New York between October 1861 and March  1862.  The regiment, was mustered into federal service in March 1862, and on the 22nd left New York in route to Washington where it was assigned to the Military District of Washington commanded by Brigadier General James S. Wadsworth.  

In May 1862 the regiment was transferred to the Department of the Rappahannack.  From June 1862 to September 1862 it was part of Major General Pope’s Army of Virginia and was heavily engaged at the 2nd Battle of Bull Run. In early September the 104th New York became part of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 1st Corp, Army of the Potomac.  The 1st Corp, commanded by Major General Joseph Hooker saw action at Turner’s Gap during the Battle of South Mountain on September 14, 1862 and in Miller’s Cornfield at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862 where it was heavily engaged with rebel troops commanded by Major General Thomas J. Jackson. 

On September 27, 1917 the State of New York dedicated a monument to the 104th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment on Antietam National Battlefield.  The monument is  on the north side of Cornfield Ave., due south of Miller’s Cornfield.  

The monument, which cost $1,392.70 in 1917, is a square shaft of Barre Granite eleven feet five inches in height topped by a twelve inch high ball.  Twelve inch diameter discs  representing the badge of the First Corp,  are carved on the east and west sides of the monument.  Bronze #1’s were inserted in the center of these carved discs when the monument was erected.   

The stone work was done by the National Granite Company of Montpelier, Vermont.  Bronze pieces which include the numbers on the east and west sides, the coat of arms of the State of New York and a bronze plaque on the front were made by John Williams, Inc., of New York.   

Unfortunately sometime between 1917 and the present the bronze number 1 on the east side of the monument has disappeared.  It is my hope to work with the staff at Antietam National Battlefield and the Western Maryland Interpretive Association/Antietam Partners  to restore the monument to it’s original glory by having the missing #1 on the east side replaced.

As soon as I have more information on the cost and how and where to submit donations to repair this monument I will be updating this blog so stay tuned!  Seems like a worthy cause to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.