September 1, 2012:
From the US Brigade Command Staff: As of September 1st, all military registration, US and CS, is closed. The demand for participation was unprecedented. On behalf of the US brigade command, we want to thank the volunteers in charge of handling registration for this event, as well as all of those who turned in their applications, waivers and forms of payment as directed. While we are not able to accommodate all those who wanted to attend, we thank you very much for your interest and your understanding of this extraordinary situation.
August 1, 2012. All Federal slots are now taken and the event is closed to further Federal registrations. The Federal Waiting List now numbers 125 and is likewise closed. The above includes all arms and Federal Living Historians. (Individuals and organizations already in discussion with the event staff/US Command staff regarding participation may, at the discretion of the Event Staff be admitted to the event.)
Federal wait listees who wish to galvanize should contact the Event Registrar at Fredericksburg150@28thMassCoB.org.
For Participants: Regimental Commanders will be given their rosters and guidance regarding the assignment of rank. All uniformed participants should assume that they are enrolled as Privates until rank is assigned for the event.
July 1, 2012. All Federal Infantry and Engineer slots are taken. Federal Artillery, Medical, and Field Music are still being sought. Those Living Historians interested in setting up in the Federal Camp at Ferry Farm should contact the Federal Staff.
The current wait list is over 100. Those joining the Federal wait list now are unlikely to participate. Federal wait listees who wish to galvanize should contact the event registrar at Fredericksburg150@28thMassCoB.org.
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Unit Details: Federal Infantry is capped at 500 and application is by unit only.
1st Battalion (Irish Brigade):
- 28th Mass: CLOSED as of 28 April 2012
- 63rd NY: CLOSED as of 2 May 2012
- 69th NY: CLOSED as of 1 June 2012
- 88th NY: CLOSED as of 1 June 2012
- 116th PA: CLOSED as of 5 June 2012
2nd Battalion (20th Mass): CLOSED as of 1 June 2012
3d Battalion (89th NY): CLOSED as of 27 June 2012
– 15th NY Engineers: CLOSED as of 27 June 2012
Federal Artillery: CLOSED as of 25 July 2012
February 10
Thank you for your interest in participating as a Federal soldier at “Fire on the Rappahannock,” the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Fredericksburg. This event will be a unique opportunity in many ways. Unlike most reenactments held in generic farm fields, this event will feature a river assault in pontoon boats, a bridge crossing, urban combat, and the attack on the stone wall on Marye’s Heights, all on the original ground, exactly in the footsteps of those brave soldiers in 1862. Here are some details to help understand the goals of the event committee and how we as Federal participants will operate as a command.
Registration: Portraying these events on the actual ground is very exciting but also means that we are constrained in many obvious ways, especially in terms of participant numbers. The streets of Fredericksburg are only so wide and cannot be closed to traffic for long periods of time. Therefore, we expect to close Federal registration at 500 combatants. Unlike past events, registration this year will be by unit only. Each company must field at least 20 privates. Individuals from units that wish to attend but cannot meet the minimum number must contact one of the battalion commanders listed below for a company assignment. To give your unit the best opportunity to participate, we recommend you submit your applications to the organizing committee as soon as possible. Unattached individuals must act even sooner to join those companies.
Impressions: We plan the following portrayals on Saturday, December 8th: First, a company representing the 89th New York will cross the Rappahannock in two recreated pontoon boats to establish a beachhead at the city docks. Second, US forces will cross the river on the pontoon bridge from Ferry Farm and attack into the city. This will represent the famous street fighting action by the 20th Massachusetts “Harvard” Regiment. A second attack on a parallel street is also in the works. Third, in the late afternoon immediately before the Marye’s Heights scenario, there will be another street battle. Finally, at the end of the day, we will recreate the attacks on the stone wall at Marye’s Heights, highlighting the famed charge of the Irish Brigade.
Order of Battle: The Federal brigade will be divided into the following battalions:
- 1st Battalion: Will represent the units of Meagher’s Irish Brigade. Scot Buffington will command.
- 2nd Battalion: Commanded by Andrew Dangel, this battalion will honor the 20th Massachusetts “Harvard Regiment.”
- 3rd Battalion: Will represent the 89th New York. Units from this battalion will recreate the 89th’s pontoon boat attack across the Rappahannock. The commander is Pete Berezuk.
To contact the reenactor leaders on the Federal Brigade Staff, please email us at: USCommand@Fredericksburg150.org.
Working together I know that we will make this one of the most exciting and memorable of the sesquicentennial events. We are proud to play a part in it and I know you will be, too.
Return to Federal Impressions page