Brief History of the Second Infantry
The 2nd United States Infantry was formed on March 3rd 1815 by the consolidation of the 6th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd and 32nd Regiments of Infantry.
Immediately after its organisation. The Regiment was stationed at Sacketts Harbour and Plattsburg NY until January 1822.
From this time until the outbreak of the Black Hawk War in 1832. The Regiment was stationed with frequent company changes on the Northern frontier with Canada.
From 1836 to 1838 companies of the regiment were stationed in Alabama and Georgia. Though towards the end of this time period the whole Regiment was reunited in Florida. Where they remained until June 1842. When they returned via New York City. To their old posts along the Canadian border.
After the annexation of Texas in 1845. The Second Infantry was once again on the move. They were ordered to join Gen. Zachary Taylor's forces in Mexico. The Regiment. Except for 'C' company. Who for some unexplained reason. Were left behind on Makinac Island joined Taylor in October 1846.
Wayward 'C' company would not catch up with the remainder of the Regiment. Until July 1847 when it was under the command of Gen. Winfield Scott at Puebla.
The regiment was engaged in numerous engagements with the Mexican Army. From their arrival. In Mexico.Until they returned to New York in March of 1848.
December 1850 found the Regiment headed west to California. Where they remained until 1853. Their next journey would bring them East. To Fort Leavonworth, Kansas in June of 1854. From this time until the outbreak of the civil war in 1861. Detatchment of the Regiment performed their duty in the mid-west from their head quarters in Ft. Leavonworth to as far North as Minnesota.
After the firing on Ft. Sumpter in April 1861. The Regiment along with the remainder of the 'Regular' United States Army were ordered to head East to defend Washinton City. Here the Second United States Infantry would become one of the building blocks of the Army of the Potomac.
Once again as had been the case in 1846. One of her companies. Company 'H' remained behind at Ft. Larned, Kansas. It would be two years prior to them rejoining the Regiment at Benson's Mill Viginia in the spring of 1863. Just in time for the Gettysburg campaign...............
By December 1861. Other than 'H' company mentioned above. The remainder of the Regiment had been reunited in Washington City. Having in the mean time been engaged with the enemy in the following campaigns and battles in two seperate theatres of operation;
1861 1862
June 17th Booneville, Mo. May - June Penninsular campaign, Va.
July 21st First Bull Run, Va. June 27th Gaines Mill, Va.
August 2nd Dug Springs, Mo. August 29 - 30 2nd Bull Run, Va.
August 10th Wilson's Creek, Mo. September 16 - 17 Antietam, Md.
December 14 Fredericksburg, Va.
1863 1864
May 1 - 3 Chancellorsville, Va. May - June Rapidan campaign Va.
July 1 -3 Gettysburg, Pa. Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Bethesda Church
**August 18 - 21 Weldon RR, Va.
**September 29 Chapell House, Va.
**October 27 -28 Boydon Plank Road, Va.
** In these engagements the remmenants of the Second infantry were inorporated into one company. That of company 'C' and acted as provost guard.
On October 30th 1864. The Second Infantry. Consisting of 75 men and a dog. Were stood down from active service and sent west to Ft. Leavonworth, Kansas to rebuild. For them this conflict had taken its toll.
C 2nd US Infantry re-enactors history
This Living History / reenacting group came into existance during the 130th anniversary reenactments of the Civil War battles. When disillusionment with the poor represntation of the Federal / Union soldier, at reenactments, in the Carolina's. Brought together. Mark & Chris Dappert, Jim Hazen, Don & Nina Vincent and Stephen & Susan Staniforth. To form C Coy 2nd US Infantry. Non of us at this time realized there were other reenactors out there that portrayed 'REGULAR' soldiers of this period.
To set our sights a little higher. Than the predominantly 'Galvanised Yankee' reenactor. We always seemed to end up playing alongside. A decision was made. That we would aim to portray the early war "REGULAR" soldier in the Eastern theatre of the war, from the Army of the Potomac.
The reason was their very distinctive uniform. Consisting of; Hardee Hat, Frock Coat and dark blue kersey trowsers. Eventually our original members wouls aquire three diferent uniform impressions. That would cover the same person. Over the nine years of history our unit represented. That was the period from 1858 through 1866,. Encompassing life on the Western frontier. Prior to and after the Civil War.
The first full year of re enacting for the comany. Was in 1993. With the culmination of the 130th battle of Gettysburg. We have travelled a long way since then. Not only in distances to event, but, also in refining the impression of the soldiers we are trying to emulate.
We became the southern most unit of Vincent's Brigade during the 130th anniversary battle of Bentonville NC in 1995. To which organisation we are still affiliated.
Over the life time of our unit. Numbers have grown and shrunk. With the general publics interest in the history of the Civil War. We tend to keep a core group of between ten and fourteen individuals. Of varying employment. Some which include weekend work when we are most in demand and activity levels. So at the events we attend there is usually only a forty to sixty percent turnout. Which for a reenactment unit is deemed normal.
bravenet.com