History

The 47th Infantry Regiment was one of twelve New York State National Guard infantry regiments that were federalized for service in the Spanish-American War. The 47th Regiment was organized on May 27th, 1862 for a three-month tour of duty. It was recruited entirely in New York City and served in the garrison of Washington D.C. during the Civil War. The regiment also served in the draft riots of 1863, the railroad riots of 1877, the quarantine riot on Fire Island of 1892, and the switchman’s strike in Buffalo of 1895. The unit was mustered into service as the “47th Regiment Infantry, New York Vols.” at Camp Black, NY on May 24th, 1898.

The 47th Regiment remained in Camp Black until June 9th, 1898 when it was moved to Forts Greble and Adams in Rhode Island. The regiment remained at these two encampments until October 9th, 1898 when they were transferred to Washington and embarked on the transport ship Manitoba for transfer to Puerto Rico the next day. The transport arrived at the harbor of Ponce on October 15th and the 47th Regiment disembarked on October 18th, setting up camp four miles north of the town. The regiment was moved back to Ponce on October 22nd and loaded on to another transport bound for San Juan. During the voyage the ship left detachments at Arroyo, Humaco, Isla de Vieques and Fajardo. The remaining companies (B, C, G, H, I, L, and M) disembarked at San Juan on October 28th, and went into camp at Fort San Cristobal. From this point the companies were divided up and dispatched to various posts Puerto Rico for garrison duty. The troops of the 47th Regiment performed duties of both military and civilian character, providing a garrison for the island as well as keeping up good relations with the populace. The regiment was ordered home in March of 1899 and by the 10th, the entire unit had disembarked in Brooklyn. The regiment was mustered out on March 31st, 1899.