TO ARMS MEN OF MAINE!
|
|
|
Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain Capt. Ellis Spear
The 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry was formed
in August of 1862 with companies from all over Maine. Company G. was recruited
by Ellis Spear of Warren who was teaching school in Wiscasset at the time. Co.
G. were farmers, fishermen, merchants, loggers and students from Lincoln and
Sagadahoc Counties on the central coast of Maine. The 1000-man regiment was
outfitted and trained in only a matter of weeks and assigned to the Fifth Corps
of the Army of the Potomac. Col. Adelbert Aimes was their first commander. They
saw their baptism of fire at Fredricksburg in 1862. They went on to participate
in every major campaign of the Army of the Potomac and were honored to be
present at the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army at Appomattox Court
House.Their most famous engagement was at Little Round Top during the second
day of Gettysburg. There, commanded by Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, with
orders to “Hold until the Last,” the 235 remaining “Men from Maine” withstood
an onslaught of over 600 Alabamians determined to turn the Union left flank.
Fighting was so fierce that the trees were shot in pieces. Hand-to-hand combat
ensued as the determined Alabamians repeatedly pressed the attack. Finally,
with their ammunition almost gone, their dead and wounded lying all around,
they fixed bayonets and charged down the hill at the startled Confederates.
This desperate and courageous manoeuver completely overwhelmed the Alabamians.
The tiny 20th Maine, with a professor turned soldier for a commander, had held
the extreme left flank of the Union army in an almost impossible situation,
against overwhelming odds, in the largest and most important battle ever fought
on American soil.
Books and films have brought the story to
life. Now you too, can join Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Capt. Ellis Spear and their courageous
men from Company G. of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry in the Army of the Potomac.
Volunteers are Needed Now
Our unit is looking now for new members,
more brave volunteers, who are willing to answer the call of President
Lincoln. Will you take the time to help save the Union? All training will be
provided by experienced and well known officers. What you would need is listed
below. We invite you to participate and encourage you to contact a recruiter
for more information.
In order to produce an authentic impression
of the life of the Civil War soldier, all reenactors of the 20th Maine provide
their own authentic clothing, equipment, and accoutrements. Basic equipment can
cost $300-$1000. This is a financial commitment that takes time. While there is
some loaner gear available we ask that soldiers have their own basic gear
within the first year so that the loaner gear can be made available to new
recruits.
The Basics:
Four Button Sack Coat |
Foot Soldier Trousers (sky blue) |
|
Forage Cap |
Jeff Davis Brogan Shoes |
|
Wool Socks, two pair, |
Period shirt cotton or wool |
|
1861 Springfield or Enfield Rifled Musket and Bayonet |
|
|
M1855 Cartridge Box with sling (black) |
M1850 Cap Pouch |
|
M1856 Waist Belt with US buckle |
Haversack US Regulation Black Canvas |
|
Canteen M1858 (stainless steel reproduction) |
Large Tin Cup, Tin Plate, Knife, Fork and Spoon |
Intermediate equipment:
|
US Canvas Knapsack |
Wool Blankets |
|
Rubber or “Gum” Blanket |
Rubber Poncho |
|
Tent, “Dog” or “A” |
Lantern |
|
Federal Over Coat (Great Coat) |
|
Personal Period Items
These were some of the personal things that
many soldiers carried with them on the march. They bring authenticity to your
impression and to the camp. We invite you to do your own research and use your
imagination.
|
Period Bible |
Small Mirror |
Toothbrush |
|
Pocket Watch |
Straight Razor |
Playing Cards |
|
Period Pipe |
Dice |
Housewife (sewing kit) |
|
Period Pocket Knife |
Wooden Comb |
Quill Pen & Ink |
Where to Purchase
All uniforms, equipment and
accoutrements used in Civil War reenacting should be authentic. Sutlers
followed the army on campaign selling food, dry goods and uniform accutrements.
Today’s sutlers provide the reenactor with uniforms, equipment and
accoutrements made from the same materials and to the same specifications.
Price, quality and service can vary, so we suggest that you get the advice of
several of your fellow soldiers before you purchase. Most purchases are made
from mail order catalogs or over the Web. There is one local sutler and some
sutlers will attend ACWA events.
Dues
Unit dues for the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry are: $20 for an individual and
$5 additional for any other reenactor in the same household. In addition each
member of the 20th Maine must also be a member of the ACWA. ACWA dues for an
individual are $35 annually, $40 for a couple and $45 for a family.
For
More Information
Additional information and
applications for the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry and the ACWA can be obtained
by contacting the Head Recruiter
1st Lt. D. Thomas Starr
415-897-4803
Participation and Events
Weekend Encampments and
Battles are held one per month March - October at various sites throughout
Northern and Central California. Participation is always optional; there is no
penalty for missing events.