ATTENTION REENACTORS:
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Be mindful that you are registering with the correct unit.
Overview
11th NY Fire Zouaves
JULY 1861 – The United States of America are in crisis as the Union unravels. Fort Sumter, a US Army installation in Charleston, South Carolina, has been fired upon by Confederate batteries and surrendered. President Abraham Lincoln has issued a call for 75,000 volunteers to sign up for three months’ service to their country in a move to subdue the rebellious secession of the Southern states. The US Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, has dispatched a telegram to each state governor. This message requests that a number of units be raised from each state which has not seceded from the Union according to their size.
From the Commonwealth of Virginia (which has publicly stated it wishes to remain neutral), the Lincoln Administration asks that three regiments of 780 men each be provided. Governor John Letcher’s administration interprets this request with alarm, for the raising of this many troops can only mean one thing: that the US Federal Government intends to march these men through other states and carry war to them. In response, Governor Letcher says, “You have chosen to inaugurate civil war, and having done so, we will meet it in a spirit as determined as the Administration has exhibited towards the South.” By May, Virginia has seceded and joined the growing Confederacy.
In the months since, Virginia’s military forces have experienced a swell of numbers as husbands, fathers, sons, uncles, and brothers flock to recruiting depots. Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson, a professor at the Virginia Military Institute, has assumed command of a brigade consisting of the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th, and 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiments. Union and Confederate forces are beginning to converge between Richmond and Washington near Manassas, Virginia. As US Brigadier General McDowell postures his Army of Northeastern Virginia to attack, CS Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston manages to bring his Army of the Shenandoah over the Blue Ridge in support of Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard’s Army of the Potomac. The American Civil War would soon begin in earnest…
4th Va., Coy. B
Fort Lewis Volunteers
Pulaski Guards
4th Va., Coy. I
Liberty Hall Volunteers
On 17-19 July 2026, join Civil War Historical Impressions at Manassas National Battlefield Park as we commemorate the 165th anniversary of the Battle of First Manassas!
This event will feature the recreation of a battalion portraying the 4th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment alongside a battalion portraying the 11th New York 1st Fire Zouaves and 69th New York State Militia encamped (under the curious eyes of onlooking civilians) on the original battlefield to conduct multiple living history programs in conjunction with the National Park Service. From preservation marches, field cooking, and the history of each unit to soldier life, drill, and firing demonstrations, expect a full schedule of national-class programming to enhance the educational experience of those who visit and attend this event!
Event Order of Battle
US FORCES
Under Overall Command of Ted Brennan
11th New York 1st Fire Zouaves
Commanded by Stan McGee
69th New York Infantry Regiment
Commanded by Tom Grant
CS FORCES
Under Overall Command of Austin Williams
4th Virginia, Company B
Fort Lewis Volunteers
Commanded by Kevin Barnes
4th Virginia, Company C
Pulaski Guards
Commanded by Franklin Van Valkenburg
4th Virginia, Company I
Liberty Hall Volunteers
Commanded by John Wickett
Registration
Registration is non-refundable and goes towards the hosting of the event.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Be mindful that you are registering with the correct unit.
Registration is $25 through December 31st, 2025.
It will increase to $30 on January 1st, 2026 and $35 on May 1st, 2026.
Registration closes at 12:00 a.m. on July 1st, 2026.