Mission & Philosophy

The Third U.S Regular Infantry Reenactors is dedicated to educating the public on the life of the U.S. Regular infantry soldier of the period 1860 to 1865. We portray the Regular as he appeared in battle, and also as he appeared in garrison and ceremonial duties. Members wear both the familar "fatigue" and the early-war "dress" uniform, and all uniforms and equipment are reproductions patterned as closely as possible to the originals. Authenticity is closely monitored, with authenticity standards researched by a Standards Committee and changes implemented as required by the Board of Directors.

The recreated Third Infantry faces another, more challenging task. Existing diaries and letters of the period describe the soldierly bearing and "stoney silence" of the Regular soldiers and attest to their skill and valor in battle. Their shined brass, well-blackened shoes and leather equipment, excellent drill - and above all, their battlefield discipline - were seldom if ever surpassed by any state regiment.

We strive to have these qualities too. Only by appearing, drilling, and performing as the originals did can the recreated Third Infantry emulate without dishonoring the Civil War soldiers we portray.

We take pride in our complete portrayal of Regular Army life of the period, including the roles of families in our Civilian Section. Just as the families of Regular Army soldiers followed them from post to post, our family members go where we go. Without them our portrayal of the Civil War-era Regulars would be incomplete and inaccurate.

Our Civilian Section is constantly researching and expanding their own impressions of the roles of wives and families in the Army of the Civil War period. Their contributions make the Third Infantry unique among re-enacting units.

Our Medical Staff Regiment is devoted to honoring the men and women of the US Army Medical Department during the Civil War. They strive to advance the knowledge of the role played by the Surgeons, Hospital Stewards, Orderlies, Nurses, Matrons as well as agents of the U.S. Sanitary Comission who were responsible for the treatment and care of the sick and wounded men and officers Union Army in the field and in the hospitals.

Standards in the Third U.S. Regular Infantry are set high on purpose, so that only the most serious living historians will be attracted to the unit. The Regular Army of 1860 demanded much and so do we, but our adherence to these standards has made the Third U.S. Regular Infantry one of the most recognized and admired re-enacting units on the East Coast.