The Liberty Rifles in the 2010 Remembrance Day Parade, Gettysburg, Pa.


Founded in 1999, the Liberty Rifles is a group of living historians who strive to accurately portray the common fighting men and homefront civilians of the American Civil War, while excelling in terms of authenticity and organization. We consistently seek opportunities to further the education of others and ourselves about the sacrifices of our forefathers. The Liberty Rifles was founded to represent the civilians and soldiers of BOTH sides of the war with equal accuracy and honor.

We were founded on the belief that to be a true historian we must approach history in a non-political and unbiased manner. Our goal is to learn more about the brave patriots of both sides of the war, and we believe that the only way to do this is by emulating them to the best of our ability, in terms of both our attire and our actions.

Authenticity is our perpetual journey and our endeavor is to always improve our appearance and bearing of 1860's soldiers and civilians. It is hoped that both our participants and spectators who attend our events will leave with a new and correct vision of the hardships endured by our ancestors.

The Liberty Rifles currently draws most of its members from New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. We also have individual members from as far away as California, Florida, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Scotland. Military members all come together on the field to act as one well drilled, veteran military unit, and civilians gather to cohesively portray those affected by the war off the battlefield.


The Liberty Rifles at the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, October 2011.

 

In the past few years, the Liberty Rifles has hosted or co-hosted the following events:

  • Fire on the Mountain, 2000
  • Winter Picket Post, 2000
  • Mortons' Ford, 2001
  • Burkittsville, 2001
  • 6th Va. Infantry at Recon 3, 2002
  • Drayton's Brigade at 140th Antietam, 2002
  • Camp of Instruction as CS opposing force, 2003
  • Harpers Ferry Living History as 2nd Ms. in 1861, 2003
  • Federal Forces at War on the James, 2003
  • 2nd Ct. Heavy Art'y Living History at Pamplin Park, 2003
  • Bedford 1861, 2006
  • Kittery Militia at Ft. McClary, Me., 2007, 2008, 2009
  • Pioneer Brigade at Stones River, Tn., 2008
  • Winter Drill at Old Bedford Village, Pa., 2010
  • Bedford 1865, 2010
  • Living Histories at Petersburg and Richmond Battlefields

 

Each year, the Liberty Rifles also hosts two narrated historic walks on the Gettysburg battlefield, typically following the footsteps of a Confederate regiment during the anniversary weekend in July, and then a Federal regiment on Remembrance Day in November. These programs are completely researched, coordinated, and led by group members, and are always open to spectators and our friends within the reenacting community. Past programs include:

  • 2005: 15th Alabama (John Pagano)
  • 2006: 1st Texas (John Pagano) and 153rd Pennsylvania (Marc Hermann)
  • 2007: 21st Mississippi (John Pagano) and 137th New York (Cody Harding and Marc Hermann)
  • 2008: 151st Pennsylvania (Cody Harding and Kyle Stetz)
  • 2009: 8th Georgia (Joseph Frutchey) and 3rd Maine (John Pagano)
  • 2010: 43rd North Carolina (John Pagano) and 16th Vermont (Josh Sawyer and Kyle Stetz)
  • 2011: 8th Florida (Aaron Cook) and 62nd Pennsylvania (Cody Harding and Joseph Frutchey)


The Liberty Rifles in the 2011 Remembrance Day Parade, Gettysburg, Pa.

 

Moving into this season, we look forward to working with other like-minded organizations in order to provide both the members and the public a true picture of the war-torn years of 1861-1865.