The 49th New York Volunteer Infantry was organized in Buffalo New York and was mustered in for 3 years service on the 18th of September 1861 under the command of Colonel Daniel D Bidwell.

The regiment was attached to Stevens' 3rd Brigade, W.F. Smith's Division, Army of the Potomac, to March 1862.  3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, IV Corps, Army of the Potomac to May 1862.  3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, VI Corps, Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Shenandoah to June 1865.

The 49th New York Volunteer Infantry mustered out of service on the 27th of June 1865.