19th US Regulars :: History

Our heritage and historical continuation
The 19th US Infantry was formed and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 3rd, 1861. Most units of the civil war were raised and equipped by the individual states, the 19th US however, was federally funded and therefore had the designation as "Regular Infantry" Professional soldiers were monetarily a burden on the nation, so few Regular units were kept in time of peace. However, in 1846, as the war with Mexico progressed, Gen Winfield Scott would come to depend on the drill, deportment and professionalism of the new US professional army. They were typically called upon to do the most difficult tasks and started from Vera Cruz and ended the war in Mexico City. All this served as the basis for the new army regiments formed at the beginning of the civil war. Our reenacting unit, representing the 19th US Infantry today, is but of a handful of units in the country that have chosen federal “Regulars” as their historical model. Our unit today is trying to keep the discipline and precision in drill as was our namesake in 1861.	As is different with state units from the civil war, the 19th U.S. Infantry still exists in Ft. Benning, Georgia. The unit, born in 1861, was continued after the war and last served in line infantry during the Korean War. The reenactors of the 19th U.S today are involved in many facets of Civil War experience. We reenact battles at various state and national events, participate in living histories in the area, and perform as a color guard in many high profile presentations. In such performances, we wear a complete 1858 full dress uniform required of Civil War Regular Infantry. Our membership is dedicated with a passion for history, we attempt to portray an accurate historical unit during our nation’s most defining struggle. We would like to accept new members with the same passion for history to join our ranks. Take time to research our website and contact us if you might be interested in taking part in history. Join our ranks, see if our unit is a “good fit” and the type of unit which may be of the same, squared-away organization you’re looking for.
Decisions about getting started
If you are interested in joining our Civil War reenacting unit, you might want to research our group as well as other units in the hobby. Some companies are exclusively reenacting groups, others are more educational history units and still others balance their schedules with both with mock battles and living histories. We suggest taking time to speak with as many units as you can while searching for a unit until you find a group that fulfills your expectations. The 19th US participates in several battle reenactments each year. We have attended National reenactments which have had troop strengths over 10,000 participants, yet we also take part in smaller reenactments which are mostly events located within the state. The 19th US also participates in many color guard presentations throughout the year. The color guard is a unique aspect of the 19th century time period and is rarely performed by other Civil War groups. We pride ourselves on our drill and the demonstration of a proper 19th century, nine man color guard. This proficiency and attention to detail has brought notoriety to our unit with invitations to parades, conventions and other special events all over the Mid-West. In achieving this higher profile presentation style, it would follow that the 19th US color guard is the only para-military unit in the country which has been allowed to retire the National colors within the Gettysburg National Cemetery. Over the years, all of us who have ever been participants in this presentation at Gettysburg, have found it a profound and humbling honor to have been granted special permission to march on this hollowed ground.	The 19th US also schedules many living history events which presents another part of the fabric in the life of the American soldier. In these events, we greet the public with several scenarios such as, camp tour (some by candlelight) firing and drill demonstrations, proper 19th century mess, first person presentation and a young historian’s wooden musket drill to involve the school age civil war historian in a hands-on educational involvement. Our living histories cover a wide range of venues, we have established our educational presentations in very historic National Military Parks like Antietam, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Stones River and Kennesaw Mountain, to name a few. Our regiment is comprised of members in all walks of life and careers. We all share the love of history and have a determination to recreate an experience that lives up to the proud and devoted service of the soldiers we represent, the professional soldier. We would encourage you to meet our membership and see first hand what our unit could offer you. We can also arrange face-to-face meetings to help you decide if we meet your expectations. If you would like to muster in with us on a trial basis, we could help outfit you with needed uniform parts and equipment so you can better determine our proficiency in the field. Please contact Thomas Mitchell to answer your questions about re-enactment. We are looking forward to hearing from you.