The 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry: History & Information

Quotes Regarding the 1st Virginia

"...everybody was excited about the attitude of the general government in trying to force certain measures which the Southern States were unwilling to agree to, and they determined one after another to withdraw from the Union, which act the government decided to try to prevent by force of arms.
The younger people of this age (writing in 1913) generally think it was to save our slave property that we resisted, but that was not the question at all. The older heads knew by the tendency of legislation the disposition of the manufacturing and most densely populated section was to oppress our southern people and make them tributary, by furnishing raw goods to their mills at ruinous rates to us, which with equal rights in making the general laws we preferred separation rather than submission; but when we so decided the government concluded to whip us into submission by sending an army into our territory. This act fired the southern spirit and they made ready to resist the invasion."

"Each regiment had a chaplain who looked after the soldiers' spiritual welfare and on the Sabbath day conducted religious services, to which every man was expected to attend. Eminent divines (well known preachers) frequently visited the army and often there were congregations of thousands of attentive hearers. The Southern armies soon became noted for their observance of religious exercises and recognition of divine guidance."

"General Lee was on the side of a road and complimented us by saying he believed we would do anything we were ordered to do. We were very proud to have made the charge under his observation and to have evoked such words of praise from our beloved commander."

"...would turn out every night and listen to the Word and sing with great vim. Often Dick Jordan and I would go out in the silent woods and lift our voices in prayer for God's guidance in these sad times. We saw the ranks thinning day by day, and none knew when his own time would come. We knew we were weak compared to the enemy, and nothing but dependence on the great Leader above would cause us to prevail. Our courage was tried in so many ways that it was most difficult to remain steadfast."

All above quotes from ... Howard Malcolm Walthall, member of Company "D", 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry

"You know I was identified with the First through many bloody vicissitudes. Jollier men in camp, braver soldiers in battle, were not found in the Army of Northern Virginia."

James Kemper, Governor of Virginia, July 17th 1875

" The old First Regiment was with me at Bull Run on the 18th of July, and made the first fight of Bull Run, which drove the Federals and forced them around Sudley Springs. This move on their part was the cause of delay that gave us time to draw our troops down from the Valley, and concentrate for the fight of the 21st. The heavy part of this fight was made by the old First Regiment, so that it can well claim to have done more towards the success of the First Manassas than any one regiment. This too, was their first battle, and I can say that its officers and men did their duties as well, if not better, than any troops whose service came under my observation."

James Longstreet, circa 1883

History of the 1st Virginia

The roots of the 1st Virginia as an infantry formation date back as far as the Henrico County Militia of 1680. During its long history this famed unit, "The Old First" has been under the command of such renowned Virginians as George Washington (1754) and Patrick Henry (1775). The 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry of the War Between the States was made up of gentlemen from the city of Richmond and Henrico and Chesterfield Counties for the purpose of the defense of Virginia, "The Old Dominion." Threatened with invasion in the Spring of 1861, it is hardly surprising that the state would look to the then incarnation of this historic regiment and that many men would seek to serve under its distinguished name.

Known as a "gentlemen's regiment" made up of men from some of the "finest families in Virginia", the companies which initially composed the 1st Virginia in April of 1861 had as their core the pre-war militia units of the area. This is not surprising as participation in militia units was popular and common for the gentlemen of Richmond, Virginia, The South and indeed the entire country. Such units not only served social and ceremonial purposes but provided that a ready body of trained men would be on hand who were able to respond in case of emergency, crisis, war or invasion. The famed "minutemen" of Revolutionary War fame were just such a group and indeed the practice dated back to early colonial times.

So who were the men of the First Virginia Infantry? A look through the surnames on the company rosters would indicate that the majority were of British descent (English or Scottish) but that a number of Western European ethnicities were represented including fairly recent arrivals from Ireland and Germany. It may be assumed that members of all the major Protestant denominations (Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian) were present. Richmond had a number of Jewish residents and it is known that Jews participated in the 1st Virginia. The majority of those who served in the regiment were under thirty but those over thirty were still well represented. Boys at least as young as 15 served as musicians. In terms of background the soldiers of the 1st Virginia ranged from little education to highly educated and from recent immigrants to old and respected families whose roots went back to Colonial times.

The 1st Virginia Infantry was activated for the defense of Virginia on April 21st, 1861 and is reported to have served initially as "the governor's bodyguard." During 1861 several companies of the 1st Virginia were detached for special service but were never reunited with the parent unit. Those companies which formed the 1st Virginia after that point were:

Company B - "Richmond City Guard" - Served from 1861-1865 as part of the 1st Virginia Infantry.

Company C - "Montgomery Guard" - Organized in 1850. Served from 1861-1865 as part of the 1st Virginia Infantry.

Company D - "Old Dominion Guard" - Served from 1861-1865 in the 1st Virginia Infantry.

Company E - "Washington Volunteers" - This intriguing company was formed from persons who had lived or worked in the vicinity of Washington, D.C. They must have only signed on for one year as the company was mustered out of service on April 26, 1862.

Company G - Captain William H. Gordon's Company - Served in the 1st Virginia Infantry through 1865.

Company H - Richmond Grays No. 2 - Served with the 1st Virginia Infantry through 1865.

Company I - Captain Robert F. Morris' Company - Served with the 1st Virginia Infantry through 1865

Company K - Virginia Rifles - This company was disbanded during 1862.

The regiment was mustered from Virginia state service into Confederate service on June 30th, 1861 and served in most of the battles and campaigns of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. From its first taste of combat at Blackburn's Ford and Manassas in 1861 to participation in Pickett's Charge on the 3rd day of Gettysburg in 1863 and all the way through to Appomattox in 1865 the 1st Virginia amassed an honourable and distinguished record.

From 1861 through 1865 the 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry participated in the following battles and engagements:

Blackburn's Ford, VA - July 18, 1861
1st Manassas (Bull Run), VA - July 21, 1861
Yorktown Siege, VA - April-May, 1862
Williamsburg, VA - May 5, 1862
Seven Pines, VA - May 31-June 1, 1862
Seven Days Campaign - June 25-July 1, 1862
Frayser's Farm, VA - June 30, 1862
2nd Manassas (2nd Bull Run), VA - August 28-30, 1862
South Mountain, MD - September 14, 1862
Sharpsburg (Antietam), MD - September 17, 1862
Fredericksburg, VA - December 13, 1862
Suffolk, VA Campaign - April-May, 1863
Gettysburg, PA - July 1-3, 1863
Plymouth, NC - April 17-20, 1864
Drewry's Bluff, VA - May 16, 1864
Howlett House, VA - May 18, 1864
North Anna, VA - May 22-26, 1864
Cold Harbor, VA - June 1-3, 1864
Clay Farm, VA - June 16, 1863
Siege of Petersburg, VA - June 1864-April 1865
Dinwiddie Courthouse., VA - March 31, 1865
Five Forks, VA - April 1, 1865
Saylor's Creek, VA - April 6, 1865
Appomattox Courthouse., VA - April 9, 1865

At the beginning of the War between the States the First Virginia Infantry numbered about 700 men. From 1862 to 1864 the average strength of the regiment was around 170. As the First Virginia was made up of six companies during this period the numbers would indicate an average strength of just under 30 per company. On July 3rd, 1863, at the height of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 1st Virginia took 209 men into Pickett's charge as part of Kemper's Brigade. Only 40 returned unscathed. The recovery of sick and wounded men and the addition of new recruits helped to recover their numbers somewhat but nearly two more years of war took a toll and by the surrender at Appomattox on April 9th,1865 only seventeen soldiers of the 1st Virginia were still present.

Reenacting as the 1st Virginia

Information, Standards & Philosophy

The Recreated 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry was formed in the Spring of 2004 as a voluntary association of gentlemen for the purpose of historical reenacting, our first meeting being held at Scottsdale, Arizona. It was determined to strive for a reasonable and growing degree of authenticity in regard not only to appearance but also to demeanor, outlook, social skills, tastes, values, etiquette and other areas necessary in order to portray Virginia gentlemen of circa 1861. We currently have members in Arizona and Colorado and welcome those of any state who share our philosophy. In addition to those portraying soldiers we have a large number of persons associated with the 1st Virginia portraying civilian ladies, children and medical personnel. Diverse civilian participation is welcome with period correct attire. For instance, ladies need to wear corsets (as did all respectable women of the time) and other clothing consonant with the persona which they are developing whether nurse, soldier's wife, southern belle, merchant, local farmer, seamstress, etc. We are family-inclusive, family-based, family-focused and family-friendly!

Please see more about joining the 1st Virginia here.

(No, we do not allow for membership in multiple Civil War reenacting groups. Someone who would like to be part of the 1st Virginia needs to be committed to the 1st Virginia.)

Men, women and children who understand and embrace our requirements, standards and philosophy of reenacting are welcome to join in. Our current age standards are as follows:

Civilians:

Adults 18 and up may participate.

Young people 14 through 17 may take part with parental permission.

Young people under 14 are welcome to participate if a parent is also participating.

Soldiers:

Adults 18 and up may participate as soldiers.

Young people 16 or 17 may take part as soldiers with parental permission.

When needed, young people 14 or 15 may take part as standard bearers with the approval of a parent who is also a participant.

Those 13 and up with certain musical skills such as with fife or drum and who have period-look instruments may join in as musicians with parental approval.

Company of Virginia Cadets:

We are proud to announce the formation of the Company of Virginia Cadets for young men in training to be gentlemen and future soldiers of the 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry. The Company of Virginia Cadets is open to young men ages 10-15 who have at least one parent involved in the 1st Virginia. Cadets will need uniforms (as per their elders) but will not be required to purchase accoutrements other than the canteen and haversack. The majority of events do not allow participants under 16 to handle weapons. But our cadets will practice and become proficient at drill by using broomsticks or carved wooden guns. The Company of Virginia Cadets will learn history, responsibility and discipline and may expect to be assigned tasks around camp in support of the ladies and the regiment.

The Tangibles: Uniform, Weapon, Accoutrements & Physical Appearance

Based on photographic evidence and period descriptions of the 1st Virginia Infantry, coupled with known facts regarding Virginia and early Confederate standards, our uniform is as follows. We use a medium grey wool shell jacket, lined with cotton, with sky blue wool trim at the cuffs and collar and a nine button front. The buttons may be brass "Block I" (preferred) though brass CSA and Virginia state buttons are also acceptable. The trousers are also of grey wool to match the shell jacket as is the kepi but with the addition of a sky blue band. A cotton shirt of period cut is worn. A grey wool vest is optional. Officers provided their own uniforms unless promoted from the ranks. The captain has chosen a fine cadet grey wool with the same pattern of sky blue trim as used by the men. A black cravate of cotton or silk should be worn by all ranks for social occasions. The 1st Virginia was no rag tag bunch. It was well uniformed and well equipped, a fine looking unit! They understood their social and patriotic responsibilities and had an exceptional esprit de corps.

It is known that at least part of the 1st Virginia was outfitted with 1861 Springfield Rifle Muskets with bayonets at the outset of hostilities. This is our favored choice though the 1862 and '63 Richmond and the 1853 Enfield are also allowed as they were used in the course of the war.

Accoutrements include a cotton haversack, round canteen with grey wool cover and black leather cartridge box and cap pouch. Period style brogans or bootees in black leather should be acquired though certain modern styles can be made to work temporarily. Those choosing to wear eyeglasses should acquire period style frames.

New members of the 1st Virginia will be instructed as to where to obtain their uniforms and accoutrements.

(The 1st Virginia is a large unit with a Captain who looks after his people's best interests, including their financial interests. Our "buying power" helps us in negotiating favourable prices on quality items. Due to an arrangement with one of our suppliers we are able to help you acquire your full American made uniform and accoutrements listed above for a cost far below market rates. We also now have a source - for unit members only - for an 1853 3-band Enfield repro at wh. A repro of an 1861 Springfield with bayonet and scabbard has a current typical cost of $450-$500. A cleaning kit for your weapon, paper cartridges and FF black powder are lesser expenses necessary for military portrayals. For civilians we are able to guide you to sources for patterns and ready made goods. These items are an investment as you seek to both learn and experience as well as educate and inspire others.)

Like most Confederate units of 1861 the 1st Virginia Infantry had a wide range of ages in its ranks but was tilted toward youth. We are fortunate to have a large number of young men in their teens and twenties which reflects this historical fact. Though we utilize a uniform as per historic evidence, there is some historically acceptable room for personal preferences in terms of individual look. For instance, men's hair styles of 1861 ranged from short to very long. Side parts, center parts and off center parts were all used. Men could be clean shaven or have facial hair ranging from goatee to short beard to full beard. Moustaches and sideburns were worn by some as well, either with or without accompanying beard. Many options are available as long as distinctly and obviously modern styles are avoided. Personal items such as pocket watches and period reading material, personal choices in the matter of persona (name, history, experiences, etc.) and talents expressed through 1860s modes also add to individual color.

The Intangibles: Religious Convictions, Cultural Values

While many reenacting units do a fine job in their quest for physical authenticity through research into the tangibles such as uniforms and weaponry, yet it seems to be rare and nearly unknown for units to explore, develop and portray what was far more important in making the people of the era who they were, namely the intangibles. Social expectations, religious beliefs, values, political awareness, etc. are what made our ancestors who they were and thus dictated what they did and why. A reenactor who is appropriately attired and yet portrays 21st century worldviews, morality, demeanor, politics, etc. is missing the bigger part of the picture and misleading the public.

Religious Convictions

The fact of Christian spirituality; deeply held and regarded religious beliefs and moral values, is probably the determining factor above all others in defining who southerners were and what they valued. The South was the Bible Belt. Though the term was not yet in use it was more true then than it is today. The Baptists and Methodists were the leading denominations and had been for decades with the Presbyterians a still strong but distant third. All three of these denominations had cooperated together in the sweeping revivals which had tremendously impacted the South through the first half of the 19th century. All three of these denominations held spiritual and social positions that would today be quickly labeled as "evangelical", "fundamental" or "the religious right." Even many members of the smaller Episcopal church could be regarded in this light. Some of Episcopalian Robert E. Lee's statements regarding Christianity and evangelism are what we might today expect of a Billy Graham and Presbyterian Stonewall Jackson's devotion is well known. Diaries and other first person accounts of southern soldiers (including from the 1st Virginia - see quotes above) are filled with positive and serious mentions of God, prayer, preaching, hymn singing, etc. The massive revivals in the Army of Northern Virginia during the course of the war are proven and well attested historical fact even if currently largely ignored. Many of those soldiers who were previously "careless regarding their souls" were swept up and changed during these times of revival. Jefferson Davis called upon soldiers and civilians alike for days of prayer and fasting, modern ideas of "separation of church and state" being completely unknown. Of course there were also unbelievers and nominal believers but the South very clearly saw itself as a "Christian civilization" and was without a doubt saturated and imbued with faith in God, belief in the Scriptures and all the responsibilities both internal and external entailed therein. We find it interesting that so few modern reenacting units bring these spiritual elements into what they do. In the South of 1861-1865 you would have seen the opposite, with Christian spirituality being the rule rather than the exception.

Cultural Values

As particularly regarding portraying the 1st Virginia we have determined to portray a unit of gentlemen. The idea of the "southern gentleman" is by no means mere modern romanticizing. The concept was well known throughout the South and beyond with "finer families" pursuing scrupulously this ideal of both internal character and outward behavior. Yet southerners of all social ranks admired and to varying degrees emulated this ideal. Even those in the north who believed in and practiced gentlemanly behavior commented on the particular attentiveness, degree of zeal and polished success exhibited by their southern neighbors. While it was acknowledged that some were indeed more polish than substance, yet the essence of a true gentleman was good character and it was believed without question that the good character of gentlemen would indeed triumph over the baseness of the contemptible. Honor, courage, reliability, trustworthiness, duty and polished manners were all the hallmarks of a gentleman but it was in his philosophy toward ladies that these various qualities found perhaps their highest expression. Coarseness toward ladies, whether present or not, was unthinkable. Duty toward the ladies was when all was said and done perhaps the very raison d'être of patriotic responsibility. Southern men understood all this without anyone having to explain it to them and it created compelling reason to volunteer to fight against a "northern aggressor" whose armies quickly showed themselves capable of theft, arson and pillage at the expense of defenseless ladies.

Standards regarding the treatment of the public, other reenacting groups and one another.

The reenactors of the 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry and associated civilians hold to a high set of standards and a certain philosophical viewpoint which we deem necessary for good reenacting and healthy relationships with the public, with other reenacting groups and with one another.

We...

...unapologetically embrace the Christian values and higher level of culture which actuated so many who went before us.

...are family-friendly, never offensive to ladies or children.

...understand that we are servants to the spectators rather than reenacting only for ourselves.

...do not attempt to rob other units of members.

...are clean and of good report (no drunkenness, filthy language, etc.).

...are trustworthy, keeping what commitments we make.

...are supportive of and loyal toward one another.

...understand and embrace higher responsibilities.

...comprehend that historical reenacting is an educational journey in which all have much to learn.

We further endeavor to develop our aspirations toward authenticity in first-person portrayals through increasing our knowledge and understanding of the values, motivations, experiences, speech, dialect, vocabulary and body language of the type of people we portray as well as through developing our own spoken and dramatic abilities to better communicate what we have learned.

By combining historicity of both tangible and intangible factors and bringing these out through good dramatic and communications skills we aspire both for ourselves and for the public to enter into a new multi-dimensional experience that will create a deeper level of authenticity in our quest to experience and share the historic experience. There are so many interesting hues and shades which are rarely seen.

Captain Scott

1st Va. Vol. Inf.