2008 Unit Event Information
February 16-17 Olustee FL – Max Effort ***
Event Website: http://battleofolustee.org/reenactment.html
Rationale:
The largest battle in Florida; one of the largest reenactments short of a national; unique terrain; camp & fight on original battlefield
Registration:
$8 to the Sgt. by Jan. 19, to cover rations, or register (and starve) on your own
Unit Portrayed: 28th Georgia Battalion (artillery serving as infantry)
Historical Framework:
On February 7, 1864 Brig.Gen. Truman Seymour's division of the federal Department of the South debarked transports at Jacksonville and marched toward Tallahassee. Their objectives were to disrupt Confederate supply from the rich land of Florida, and to capture the state capital. General PGT Beauregard, commanding in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, reinforced sparsely defended Florida to counter the move.
Seymour's 5500 federals reached the railroad depot of Olustee Station on February 20. Brig.Gen. Joseph Finegan, commanding the District of East Florida, had his division of 5000 Confederates entrenched at Olustee to meet Seymour. Impatient with the slow federal advance, and not wishing to allow his opponent to fully deploy, Finegan sent Brig.Gen. A. H. Colquitt's brigade a mile east to greet the federals.
Colquitt engaged the union troops heavily while the other brigade under Col. George P. Harrison moved up. After hours of fighting, ammunition ran low. Once resupplied, and with the last of the Southern troops deployed, the tide turned strongly in Southern favor. The entire federal force was driven from the field with heavy loss, including the capture of 5 cannon and 1600 small arms. Confederate casualties numbered 946 (19%). Union losses totaled 2806 (34%). The shattered federal force retreated back to Jacksonville, most leaving the state shortly. This decisive battle brought an end to the only major campaign in Florida.
Impression Guidelines:
Try not to use federal items. This unit would not have had opportunity to capture federal items prior to the battle.
Coat/Jacket: 1) Eastern theater jacket/coat; 2) Imported; 3) Artillery jacket/coat; 4) Unidentified jacket/coat
Trousers: 1) CS issue; 2) Imported; 3) Civilian
Headgear: 1) Slouch hat; 2) Confederate kepi
Shoes: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Civilian
Accouterments: 1) CS issue–Charleston, Augusta, Magee & George, Fayetteville, Selma); 2) Imported
Haversack: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Civilian
Canteen: 1) Wooden; 2) Smoothside/bulls eye; 3) Tin drum
Knapsack: 1) Confederate issue–single bag, Augusta, Mexican War); 2) Mule collar bed roll; 3) Imported
Weapon: 1) Enfield; 2) Fayetteville; 3) CS Richmond; 4) 1861 Springfield
April 12-13 Cynthiana KY – Battle & Camp of Instruction
Event Website: http://www.geocities.com/morgansraid/
Rationale: Site of 2 battles, including the 5th largest battle in Kentucky
Registration: N/A
Unit Portrayed: Hawkins' eastern Kentucky volunteer infantry company
Historical Framework:
The Battles – July 17, 1862; June 11-12, 1864
The 10th Kentucky (Col. Edwin Trimble) which fought here was the regiment Jack May formed after commanding the 5th Kentucky Infantry. Some men who had served under May in the original 5th (a 12-month unit) enlisted in May's new mounted unit. The second battle of Cynthiana involved mostly mounted units that fought dismounted.
Impression Guidelines:
Listed from most to least preferred. Try not to use Confederate or Union uniforms or gear.
Coat/Jacket: 1) Civilian coat (roundabout, sack coat, frock coat, over shirt); 2) Militia jacket/coat; 3) Battle shirts with trim; 4) US Army 1833 fatigue jacket, 1851 US Army frock coat, 1820's & 1830's coatee
Trousers: 1) Civilian; 2) US Army before 1860
Shoes: 1) Civilian pattern; 2) US Army before 1860
Headgear: 1) Civilian hat; 2) US Army before 1860
Accoutrements: 1) Militia (white or black leather or canvas webbing); 2) US Army before 1860; 3) Civilian hunting & shot bag
Haversack: 1) Civilian; 2) Militia/state issue; 3) US Army before 1860
Knapsack: 1) Blanket roll (strongly encouraged); 2) 1808 -1860 US Army knapsack
Canteen: 1) Civilian water carrier; 2) US Army before 1860; 3) US smooth side/bulls eye; 4) Tin drum
Weapon: 1) 1795/ 1808/ 1816/ 1842 Springfield ; 2) Foreign musket; 3) Later Springfield or Enfield if necessary ; 4) Farm implements
Blankets: 1) Civilian ; 2) Militia/state issue; 3) US Army before 1860
Ground Cloth: 1) Civilian ground sheet either painted, or painted with linseed oil; 2) Militia/state issue; 3) US Army before 1860 rubber poncho or ground cloth
April 25-27 Cumberland Gap TN
Event Website: N/A
Registration: N/A
* This will be an extension of the Camp of Instruction started at Cynthiana.
Unit Portrayed: 55th Georgia Infantry
Historical Framework: Department of East Tennessee September 1863. Confederate forces were in garrison at the Gap in position to defend against Union Gen. Ambrose Burnside.
Impression Guidelines: See mid-war guidelines on the Authenticity page.
May 31-June 1 New Hope Church GA
Event Website: http://www.armoryguards.org/pmill2008/
Registration: Individually
* A number of our members have expressed interest in this event. There is no question that this quality experience will be well worth the effort. They do have specific impressi0n guidelines that must be met. (Ours are suggested, theirs are required.) If you cannot meet the impression guidelines listed at the event website, do not register. Contact the 1st Sgt. or adjutant if you are interested in going.
Unit Portrayed: 32nd & 58th Alabama
Historical Framework: Army of Tennessee May 25-29,1864.
See the event website for details.
Impression Guidelines: Set by the event.
June 21-22 Georgetown KY
Event Website: http://www.morgansraid.com/
Rationale:
Central location; KCB max effort event (member unit); ability to have a sizeable progressive presence.
Registration:
$5 by June 6. Have it in the adjutant's hands by June 2 to allow time to mail.
*** The registration fee has been waived for this year for those preregistered by June 6. Give your name to the adjutant BEFORE June 6 in order to be pre-registered.
Impression Guidelines:
July 1862 - See the event website.
August 23-24 Richmond KY
Event Website: http://www.battleofrichmond.org/reenactment.htm
Rationale:
This was one of the largest and most significant battles in Kentucky, and the most complete victory of any field battle in the war. Fought on original battlefield. Central location; KCB max effort event (member unit); ability to have a sizeable progressive presence.
Registration:
$5 to the adjutant, who will mail on August 1 (or register on your own).
Unit Portrayed: 15th Arkansas, Army of Kentucky
Historical Framework: Battle, August 29-30, 1862
Col. John S. Scott's cavalry brigade led the advance of the 6850 men of Maj. Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith's Army of Kentucky from Barboursville, Kentucky. On August 13, Scott skirmished with and routed the federal 7th Tennessee Infantry at Huntsville TN. On the 17th, he engaged and routed the 3rd Tennessee Infantry at London. On the 23rd, Scott swept 1200 federals from their defenses on Big Hill. Encountering heavier union numbers near Richmond on August 29, he fell back to Big Hill to await the infantry.
Brig. Gen. Patrick Cleburne's division led Smith's advance, followed by that of Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Churchill. When Cleburne encountered Union Brig. Gen. Mahlon Manson's army in force at Richmond on the 30th, he immediately moved to the attack, sending the Buckner Guards, a Kentucky cavalry company forward "to find the enemy". Smith arrived on the field at 7:30 AM, where an artillery duel and skirmishing were in progress, lasting 2 hours. Churchill arrived and formed on Cleburne's left. Col. Preston Smith's brigade repulsed a federal attempt to turn the Confederate right. Churchill turned the union right, forcing the federals to take up a new position at White's farm, 2 miles away. Cleburne received a painful wound in the mouth during this part of the battle, which made it impossible for him to continue to command.
T. M. McCray's brigade of Churchill's division received and repulsed a federal counterattack there by the time Col. Smith brought Cleburne's division into line. As the latter appeared, McCray charged and put the bluecoats to flight. Union commander Maj. Gen. William Nelson arrived to take command after this second part of the battle.
After a march of 2 more miles, Kirby Smith's forces formed for the third and final attack. He ordered Evander McNair's brigade of Churchill to the left, while Preston Smith brought Cleburne's division up at the double quick, forming "with wonderful precision and rapidity" on the right. The cavalry had been sent to the left to get in rear of Richmond to cut off retreat federal troops. Again, Nelson's troops were driven from the field in the greatest confusion and disorder. Darkness brought an end to the battle.
Nelson escaped to Louisville with a small force. His killed and wounded amounted to 1050. Confederate losses totaled 600. In all, Smith's army captured 4303 prisoners besides the wounded (Gen. Manson among them), 9 cannon, 10,000 small arms, and large quantities of stores.
Impression Guidelines: TBA
September 19-21 Chickamauga GA – Max Effort ***
(NATIONAL EVENT)
Event Website: http://www.battleofchickamauga.net/
Rationale:
THE great battle of the West; Chickamauga does not host an event every year; the most important thing the 5th Kentucky ever did; our ancestors' units were there.
Registration:
Best done through the adjutant; otherwise online. $10 if received by the event folks by May 1; $15 by July 1; $20 after July 1
Historical Framework: Major battle, September 19-20, 1863
The Union Armyof the Cumberland under Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans maneuvered Gen. Braxton Bragg's Army of Tennessee out of that state into north Georgia. Bragg intended to seize the initiative from the federal commander.
In another marvel of Confederate logistics, two divisions of the I Corps, Army of Northern Virginia under Lt. General James Longstreet reinforced Bragg just in time to tip the scales in the great battle of the West, and the largest Confederate victory in this theatre. For a full account of the role of the 5th Kentucky Infantry in the battle, see our History page.
Impression Guidelines:
Listed from most preferred to least preferred. Union items should be kept to a minimum because the 5th Kentucky would not have had a chance to capture federal items until the second day.
Coat/Jacket: 1) Columbus depot jacket; 2) Civilian coat; 3) Commutation shell
Trousers: 1) CS issue; 2) Civilian pattern
Headgear: 1) Civilian slouch hat; 2) Confederate kepi
Shoes: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Canvas; 3) Civilian shoes or boots
Accoutrements: 1) Any AoT (Examles include Magee and George, Atlanta, Wellborn Nichols and Oliver); 2) Tarred canvas box; 3) Imported English (cap box should be white buff)
Haversack: 1) CS pattern. Button or buckle closure; 2) Civilian pattern
Canteen: 1) Wooden; 2) Tin drum; 3) Smoothside or bullseye
Knapsack: 1) Mexican War style; 2) Confederate issue; 3) Blanket roll; 4) Imported English, Isaac Campbell and Co.
Weapon: 1) 1853 Enfield; 2) 1842 Springfield; 3) 1861 Springfield
Blanket: 1) Civilian coverlet or carpet; 2) CS issue
Event Website:
Rationale:
Registration:
Unit Portrayed: 5th Kentucky Infantry
Historical Framework: Engagement, January 10, 1862
For an account of the 5th Kentucky at Middle Creek, see our History page.
Impression Guidelines: TBA
October 11-12 Perryville KY
Event Website: http://www.perryvillereenactment.org/
Rationale:
This was the largest, most significant campaign & battle in Kentucky, commemorated on the actual ground of one of the best preserved battlefields in the nation.
Registration:
This is a high quality event, with rations issued at the battalion level, School of the Battalion, and an alter ego program. Registration is by invitation, and the Greys are invited. Registration fees go to the Perryville Battlefield Preservation Association for preservation efforts. $12 to the adjutant by July 1. Late registration is $20. Contact the adjutant for late registration information. Walk-ons $25.
Unit Portrayed: 16th Tennessee Infantry
Historical Framework: Major battle, October 8, 1862
In July 1862, federal armies were concentrated in northern Mississippi and Alabama, and held most of Tennessee. Gen. Braxton Bragg boldly transferred his Army of the Mississippi by rail from northern Mississippi to Chattanooga. This remarkable logistical accomplishment soon gave Confederate forces control of Tennessee.
Bragg moved into western Kentucky while Maj. Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith advanced from East Tennessee through eastern Kentucky. Smith's complete demolition of the federal army at Richmond, coupled with the surrender of the post at Munfordville, gained them control of almost the entire state.
The opposing forces of Bragg and Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell collided at Perryville October 8, during a severe drought. Oddly enough, the two commanders played little role in this largest battle on Kentucky soil. It was truly a soldiers' battle. Bragg's 16,000 veteran Confederate troops pressed Buell's 37,000 federals, winning a tactical victory, but withdrew that night in the presence of a force more than 3 times his own. 18,000 union troops had spent the day in easy supporting distance, but oblivious to the raging battle.
At the close of the campaign, Bragg was unable to hold Kentucky as he had hoped, but was further north than when he started, held much of Tennessee, and had captured in excess of 14,500 prisoners, along with 35 guns, 15,000 small arms, and 330 federal wagons.
Impression Guidelines:
Listed from most to least preferred. Federal items would be OK because Smith captured many federal items at Richmond.
Coat/Jacket: 1) Columbus jacket (strongly preferred); 2) Civilian jacket/coat; 3) Federal jacket/coat
Trousers: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Federal issue; 3) Civilian
Shoes: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Federal issue; 3) Civilian
Headgear: 1) Civilian hat; 2) Confederate kepi; 3) Federal kepi
Accoutrements: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Federal issue
Haversack: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Federal issue; 3) Civilian
Knapsack: 1) Blanket roll; 2) Confederate issue; 3) Federal issue
Canteen: 1) Smooth side/bulls eye; 2) Tin drum; 3) Wooden
Weapon: 1) 1842 Springfield; 2) Foreign Musket; 3) 1861 Springfield; 4) Enfield
Blankets: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Federal issue ; 3) Civilian
Ground Cloth: 1) Confederate issue; 2) Federal rubber poncho or ground cloth; 3) Civilian ground sheet
October 18-19 Camp Wildcat/London KY
Event Website: http://www.wildcatreenactment.org/
Rationale: Battlefield preservation; location
Registration:
$5 to the adjutant, who will mail on October 1 (or register on your own).
Unit Portrayed: 20th Tennessee
Historical Framework: Camp Wildcat, October 20-21, 1861; London, August 17, 1862
Action at Camp Wildcat, October 20-21, 1861
Easily ascertained from the numbers present and the casualty rate of less than 1% for either side, the action at Camp Wildcat was not a pitched battle by any definition, but rather a reconnaissance in force. Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer's brigade advanced through London, somewhat hindered for lack of subsistence and transportation. Reaching the federals' entrenched camp on Rockcastle Hills, they reconnoitered the federal position on the 21st for several hours.
The federal force there consisted of the post under command of Col. T. T. Garrard, reinforced by the brigade of Gen. Albin Schoepf, together numbering 7000. Most of Zollicoffer's 5400 men were not engaged. Confederate losses amounted to 11 killed & 42 wounded, primarily in the 17th Tennessee Infantry. Scheopf reported 4 killed & 18 wounded. Zollicoffer also claimed 21 prisoners. Having consumed all the forage in the country and finding the union position strong, Zollicoffer withdrew the next day.
Action at London, August 17, 1862
Col. L. C. Houk with 200 men of the 3rd Tennessee Infantry (US) was attacked by about 800 Confederate cavalry under Col. John S. Scott. US forces, acting in two bodies, were summarily driven and both nearly surrounded. During the fighting a herd of government horses stampeded the federal line, crippling several. The Confederate cavalry captured 130 wagons in the action.
Houk retreated 3 miles northwest, regrouped until the next night, than marched to Cumberland Gap with 160 men, leaving another 20 behind along the way. On orders to join Houk, 98 convalescents on a train near London were captured by Scott, who also took 4 more wagons, stores, and regimental records.
Confederate losses were 35. Federal casualties totaled 40, plus the 98 captured on the train, plus 20 missing on the march to Cumberland Gap.
Impression Guidelines: TBA
November Wildcat March KY
Event Website: http://withdrawfromperryville.tripod.com/
Rationale: See the event website Goals page.
Registration: TBA
Unit Portrayed: 28th Alabama Infantry
Historical Framework: Skirmish, October 19, 1862
Two companies of the 28th Alabama Infantry turned back to assist Wheeler's cavalry, which covered Bragg's withdrawal from Perryville.
Impression Guidelines: See Perryville.
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