Join the 69th!
Young America and Old Ireland
One and Inseparable!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time and march to the sound of the fife and the beat of the drum; and then enter onto a field of battle as cannon fill the air with thunder and smoke?
Can you imagine officers shouting commands to maneuver companies into position as a troop of cavalry gallops past, drawn sabers glinting in the sun?
Think how it would feel to stand shoulder to shoulder with your comrades, gazing across an open field. The thrill as you catch sight of the enemy emerging from the tree line or over the brow of a hill and the adrenalin rush when you hear the command, “Company, Ready…. Aim…..FIRE!”
The battle is on… and you are in the middle of it all.
Then later in the day, back in camp, after a hearty dinner, and you are recalling the day’s events, telling tall tales and sharing jokes with your family and friends sitting around a warming campfire?
All this, and more, is Civil War reenacting, one of the most exciting, colorful and interesting hobbies a person can participate in.
If you have an interest in our great country’s history, the American Civil War or all things Irish, then the officers, soldiers and civilians of the 69th New York State Volunteers, Company C. would like to invite you to try reenacting and join us in camp and on the field.
We represent the 69th NYSV, the 1st Regiment of the famed Irish Brigade, as they were in camp in the spring of 1864, still in winter quarters but well supplied with new equipment and recruits. Some officers may even have had family with them, which accounts for our civilian contingent in camp.
The company has loaner gear, (uniforms, accoutrements and muskets) that we provide for any prospective recruits, and with the completion of a safety test and some basic drill and instruction, in a few hours, you could go from the 21st century back in time to be a soldier on a Civil War battlefield where all your imaginings would become real.
As a Southern California reenacting group we participate in many varied events throughout the year. This includes reenactments with full battle scenarios, living history events, school programs and Irish fairs and parades.
Our yearly membership fees are very reasonable and we are self insured through California Reenactors for American and Irish Cultures (C.R.A.I.C.) a 501 (C) 3 entity.
For more information, please check out the About The 69th section of the website. If you are interested in joining the unit or perhaps you would just like to get a taste of the Civil War experience, please fill out the recruitment form below and we will contact you shortly.
Thank you, and we hope to see you at an event very soon.