62nd New York State Volunteers

62nd New York State Volunteers
(Anderson's Zouaves)
"Never Missed a Ration, Never Missed a Fight!"

Welcome to the 62nd NYSV Website!

The 62nd NYSV is an Australian based Living History group that
re-enacts American Civil War history. The Group focuses on reenacting
the historical 62nd New York, but frequently portrays other Union Civil
War formations and units at public and closed events. We also portray
the civilian side of the conflict and occasionally 'galvanise' as
Southerners. Many of our members travel to the United States for Civil
War reenactment events as well.

The 62nd was formed in 1994 and has grown gradually over the years. The unit now maintains Companies in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland & the Australian Capital Territory. We also have several members in other States.

The 62nd NYSV is member of the Australasian Living History Federation, Australia's Peak Living History Body.

A mixed bag of Union Reenactors at "Seven Pines". It's normal for members of different clubs to get together to portray troops for various reenactment events.

Colonel John Lafayette Riker was the original Commanding Officer of the 62nd NYSV. A New York Lawyer and self-professed Liberterian, Colonel Riker established the Anderson Zouves and let it be known that he believed punishment was detrimental to the morale of a soldier. His men loved him dearly.

On May 31st 1862, at Fair Oaks Virginia, Colonel Riker fell to enemy fire as he was leading his men into battle whilst cooly smoking a cigar.