Raised in New York in 1859 the 79^th New York Volunteers was an American unit which adopted the regimental number, tartan, kilts or trews and name of the British 79^th Cameron Highlanders, but they had no official links with the Camerons. Numbering about 300 men the 79^th New York mustered into Federal service at the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 and their numbers rose quickly to 795.

The pre war Volunteers wore kilts or trews the remainder wore US uniform, none wore the kilt in battle. They briefly had a piper in their ranks but they did not have a pipe band. They fought in the Battle of First Manassas in July 1861 and altogether they suffered over 558 casualties during the war.

While manning the defences of Washington men from this unit mutinied over pay and conditions. As a result they were deprived of their colours but the 79^th New York restored their reputation on the field of battle where they acquitted themselves with distinction. They were eventually stood down from duty in 1864.