Welcome to the Website for the Reorganized

Last updated 15 January 2012

Washington Guards

Company A

30th Virginia Infantry Regiment

Corse's Brigade, Pickett's Division, Longstreet's Corps

Army of Northern Virginia, Confederate States Army

Organized 1858 - Fredericksburg, Virginia - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Reorganized 2008 - Fredericksburg, Virginia

Tin type photograpgh of Washington Guards soldiers at the Sesquicentennial First Battle of Manassas in July 2011

Sesquicentennial reenactment of the Battle of First Manassas - July 2011

From left to right (standing) Corporal Dan Ruble, Private Dave Wells, First Sergeant Anthony Murphy, Private Cedric Landree

(seated) Private Douglas Landree, Captain Mike Landree, and Drummer Jack Landree.

Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States

- - - -1860-1865 - - - - - - 2010-2015

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Heritage and History, Not Hate

About us...

Four major battles and hundreds of smaller conflicts occurred within the confines of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County from 1861 - 1865. These included the dramatic battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Courthouse. Over 100,000 casualties occurred within this county to include the loss of one of the greatest commanders in the Confederacy - Lieutenant General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. In preparation for the Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States in 2011, a group of veteran reenactors {and members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV)} decided to form an authentic Confederate infantry unit which would be recruited from the areas which the 30th Virginia was originally recruited. We are looking for Fredericksburg area residents to create a local unit of local men. Members of the 30th Virginia don't necessarily need any reenacting experience, only a true desire to learn history and honor the common Southern soldier who fought to defend his homes, families, and liberty.

The sesquicentennial celebrations have begun and this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from our past, experience history by reliving it, celebrate the heroism of our local Southern men, create a better understanding of the times, and better teach others through first hand experiences and research. We are an active unit looking for active patriots. We work closely with the Sons of Confederate Veterans in local ceremonies honoring Confederate soldiers. If all you know about the Civil War is what you read in your school history book, then you have been cheated. Join us to get a well rounded knowledge for yourself and have a wonderful time doing so.

Drummer Jack Landree at the grave site of Andrew Bowering, leader of the 30th Virginia Regimental Band (Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery).

Original Unit History

The Washington Guards was a descendant of earlier militia units from the Fredericksburg area and the first in direct response to the impending war with the Northern States. The unit organized as a militia company in June 1858 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In 1860, the Washington Guards, the Fredericksburg Rifle Grays, and the Fredericksburg Artillery Company formed the 2nd Battalion Virginia Volunteers. On 13 June 1861, the 30th Virginia Infantry Regiment formed when Colonel R. M. Cary assumed command of the regiment organized from the following companies:

Company A - Washington Guards - Fredericksburg

Company B - Fredericksburg Rifle Grays - Fredericksburg

Company C - Gordon Rifles - Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County

Company D - Mount Pleasant Rifles - Spotsylvania County

Company E - Caroline Grays - Caroline County

Company F - Bowling Green Guards - Caroline County

Company G - Chilesburg Light Infantry - Caroline County

Company H - Sparta Grays - Caroline County

Company I - Captain Braxton's Company - Stafford County

Company K - King George Grays - King George County

The 30th Virginia served in the Confederate forts along the Potomac River in Stafford and King George Counties during 1861-1862, where they sufferred their first casualties. The regiment barely missed the Battle of Manasas, conducting a forced march and arriving too late. The regiment belonged to Walker's Brigade at this time of the war. In March 1862, the regiment moved by train to NC and garrisoned Goldsboro, NC at Camp McIntosh returning in late May to support the Seven Day's Battles around Richmond. The 30th was with Jackson when he surrounded and captured Harper's Ferry and then force marched to Sharpsburg, Maryland (Antietam), where on 17 September 1862, the regiment sustained 160 casualties out of 262 men in less than 15 minutes in front of the Dunker Church. In November, Corse's Brigade was formed as part of Pickett's Division of Longstreet's Corps and the 30th would remain a formation of this brigade for the rest of the war. At Fredericksburg, the 30th served in the gap between Longstreet's and Jackson's Corps on the Landsdown Plain, but did not see action. The winter of 1862-1863 was spent in winter quarters around Guiney Station in Caroline County and then to Petersburg in February 1863. In March, the regiment marched with Longstreet to siege Suffolk, Virginia, returning to Richmond months later for General Lee's 1863 invasion of the North. President Davis pressured General Lee to keep Corse's Brigade defending Richmond as Lee moved north, preventing the 30th from suffering the same fate as the rest of General Pickett's Division at Gettysburg. Following Gettysburg, the 30th rejoined the ANV at Gordonsville. Moving South again to Richmond and then to Tennessee, the 30th fought in Eastern Tennessee from September 1863 to January 1864 and then rode by train to Kinston, North Carloina and fought with distinction in the Battle of New Bern on 1 February 1864, where the regiment overwhelmed a fortification without a casualty while capturing 179 prisoners, 2 cannon, 27 horses, and "everything nice - blankets & eatables of all kinds." The regiment remained around Kinston until 6 May 1864 when the regiment traveled by train back to Petersburg due to the start of the Overland Campaign being fought in the Wilderness of Spotsylvania County, Virginia. While the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse was being fought, the 30th Virginia was ordered to defend Drewry's Bluff outside Richmond and fought a gallant battle there on the 16th of May 1864, where they received their second highest casulties of the war. Returning to the ANV at the North Anna River, the regiment fought in the murderous battle of Cold Harbor at what is now Virginia Route 635. After the fighting at Cold Harbor, the 30th spent the next 9 months on the Howlett Line. In February 1865, the regiment fought at Dinwiddie Courthouse, Five Forks around the Gilliam House on 1 April(where they served with the 9th VA Cavalry, a sister unit from Fredericksburg), and at Saylor's Creek on 6 April. The 30th Virginia surrendered 8 officers and 82 men at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia on 9 April 1865. The flag of the 30th Virginia was captured at Five Forks and is now owned by the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmand, Virginia. (from 30th Virginia Infantry, by Robert K. Krick, 1985, ISBN 0-930919-03-3)

Confederate dead in front of the Dunker Church, Sharpsburg, MD 17 September 1862----30th Virginia Flag Captured at Five Forks, VA 1 April 1865

Confederate prisoners at Five Forks, Virginia April 1865

2010 Events

15-16 May 2010 - 1864 Battle of New Market, Virginia (Washington Guards' Inaugural Event)

22-23 May 2010 - 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia

29-31 May 2010 - Confederate Memorial Day Services, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania, Virginia

2-5 July 2010 - 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

17-18 July 2010 - White Oak Museum, Stafford County, Virginia

25 September 2010 - Heritage Parade in Warrenton, Virginia

16-17 October 2010 - 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia

2011 Events

25-27 March 2011 - 1864 Battle of John's Island, Charleston, South Carolina

*17 April 2011 - 1861 Virginia Militia Training Camp, Montpelier, Virginia 150th Anniversary of Virginia's secession - 17 April 1861

14-15 May 2011 - 1864 Battle of New Market, Virginia

21-22 May 2011 - 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia

28-30 May 2011 - Confederate Memorial Day Services - Fredericksburg, Culpeper, & Spotsylvania

25 June 2011 - White Oak Museum, Stafford County, Virginia

1-3 July 2011 - 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

16 July 2011 - 1863 Confederate Winter Cabin Work, Montpelier, Virginia

*21-24 July 2011 - 1861 - Battle of First Manassas, Virginia - 150th Anniversary

24 September 2011 - Heritage Parade in Warrenton, Virginia

14-16 October 2011 - 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia

19 November 2011 - Gettysburg Rememberance Parade

9-11 December 2011 - 149th Anniversary Battle of Fredericksburg,Virginia

Tin type of Capt Mike Landree and sons, Douglas, Cedric, and Jack at the Battle of Gettysburg 2010

2012 Events

31 December 2011 - 1 January 2012 - New Year's Celebration - Fredericksburg's First Night

7 January 2012 - Winter Quarters Work Day Montpelier, Virginia

13-14 January 2012 - Lee Jackson Day - Lexington, Virginia

16 January 2012 - Lee Jackson Day - Culpeper, Virginia

25 February 2012 - SCV Confederate Heritage Rally, Richmond, Virginia

*2-4 March 2012 - 1862 Battle of Fort Donelson, Tennessee

*29 March - 1 April 2012 - 1862 Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee

27-29 April 2012 - 3rd Regiment Camp of Instruction

18-20 May 2012 - 1864 Battle of New Market, Virginia

26-28 May 2012 - SCV Confederate Memorial Day events - Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Virginia

*8-10 June 2012 - 1862 Battles of Cross Keys/Port Republic

24 June 2012 - SCV Memorial Service for 30th VA soldier - Salem Church, Fredericksburg, Virginia

6-8 July 2012 - 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

*3-5 August 2012 - 1862 Battle of 2nd Manassas, Virginia

17-19 August 2012 - Montpelier Living History

*8-9 September 2012 - 1862 Battles of South Mountain and Sharpsburg, Maryland

22 September 2012 - Heritage Parade in Warrenton, Virginia

*18-21 October 2012 - Cedar Creek weekend - 150th anniversary battle TBD

*18-21 October 2012 - 1863 Vicksburg Campaign, Mississippi

November 2012 - Gettysburg Rememberance Parade

*7-9 December 2012 - 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia

2013 Events

*3-5 May 2013 - 1863 Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia

17-19 May 2013 - 1864 Battle of New Market, Virginia

25-27 May 2013 - SCV Confederate Memorial Day events - Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Virginia

May 2013 - SCV Confederate Memorial Day events - Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Virginia

*5-7 July 2013 - 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

*July/September 2013 - 1863 Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia

September 2013 - Heritage Parade in Warrenton, Virginia

November 2013 - Gettysburg Rememberance Parade

2014 Events

*March 2014 - 1864 Battle of John's Island, Charleston, South Carolina

*May 2014 - 1864 Battle of the Wilderness, Virginia

*May 2014 - 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania, Virginia

*May 2014 - 1864 Battle of New Market, Virginia

May 2014 - SCV Confederate Memorial Day events - Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Virginia

*June 2014 - 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia

Summer 2014 - 1864 Battle of Atlanta, Georgia

September 2014 - Heritage Parade in Warrenton, Virginia

*October 2014 - 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia

November 2014 - Gettysburg Rememberance Parade

*27-30 November 2014 - 1864 Battle of Franklin, Tennessee

2015 Events

*April 2015 - 1865 Battles of Five Forks, Saylor's Creek, and Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia

*May 2015 - 1865 Battle of the Bentonville, North Carolina

May 2015 - SCV Confederate Memorial Day events - Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Virginia

September 2015 - Heritage Parade in Warrenton, Virginia

November 2015 - Gettysburg Rememberance Parade

* Sesquicentennial event

Uniforms

The Washington Guards will have three uniform sets representing early war (1858-1861), mid-war (1862-1864), and late war (1864-1865). The initial uniform for all members will be the mid-war uniform.

Early war uniform. The early war uniform consists of a black Hardee Hat with brass "A" over an infantry bugle in the front, black plume, blue hat cord, and a Virginia hat pin securing the left brim to the crown. The uniform consists of a wool gray single breasted frock coat with black collar tape and inverted "V" cuffs and matching trousers with a black stripe. White cotton webbing accoutrement straps with black leather cartridge box, cap box, and bayonet scabbard with rectangular Virginia State Seal buckle. Rifle is the .69 caliber Model 1842 Springfield Musket or Rifle. A hard framed pack is part of this uniform.

Mid-war uniform. The mid war uniform is the jean wool (black and white) Richmond Depot II jacket with shoulder straps and belt loops and matching trousers. Black leather accoutrements with no breast plate and the same .69 caliber Model 1842 musket or rifle. Soldier has choice of cap (kepi, bummer, or slouch), belt buckle (VA or rectangular CSA), canteen (wooden or colored wool disk), etc.

Late war uniform. The late war uniform is any variation of uniform and accessories the soldier desires.

Historical Accuracy

The Washington Guards focuses on historical accuracy in weapons and accoutrements, uniforms, drill, and camp accessories. High levels of authenticity make a unit great and set it apart from mediocre ones. However, that does not mean that we are "stitch Nazis". This is a hobby and we will enjoy ourselves if we can maintain a high level of standards in our personal appearance and how our camp looks. The difference in historically accurate impressions and "farby" ones is in the details. There is also little difference in price between a great impression and a horrible one, as long as you are patient and know what you are looking for.

Affiliated Organizations

3rd Regiment, Army of Northern Virginia (ANV). We are a probationary company of the 3rd Regiment, Army of Northern Virginia as of 16 October 2010 at Cedar Creek. We feel that our reenacting philosophy is closely related to them and have created friendships within this organization. We also recieve insurance through the ANV.

Sons of Confederate Veterans. Many of our members are direct descendants of Confederate Soldiers and belong to the SCV. We were charged by Confederate Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee in 1906 to defend the honor of our fathers who no longer have a voice. We are closely associated with the Matthew Fontaine Maury Camp 1722 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The commander and sons are members of Freeman's Battery Camp 1939 of Savannah, Tennessee.

Joining and Contact

The Washington Guards is a family oriented organization open to alll interested people who wish to honor those men who fought for the Confederacy. While the Washington Guards will focus on the local population, membership is open to all who wish to join, regardless of location. Due to historical accuracy, only men will dress and portray soldiers. Boys 16 years and older may carry arms; boys 11 years and older may be drummers, musicians, or couriers. The color sergeant is a position of honor and will be set aside for the most qualified enlisted man capable of soldiering arms. To ensure a family environment, only wives and girlfriends of soldiers in the unit can belong to the Washington Guards' Women's Auxillary. If you are interested in joining, please contact our unit commander, Captain Mike Landree (mlandree at hotmail dot com) or call (540)898-1278, and he will start the recruiting process with you. As a recruit, you must make at least 3 battle events so we can determine if you have the right personality to fit in with the rest of the unit. Not all recruits become members, but those not extended membership will be assisted in finding a unit which fits their personality and desires. Recruiting Poster.

A Note on Extremism

We don't condone slavery nor do we believe in inequality of the races. God has made each one of us in his own image and that is not our choice, but His. We are patriotic American citizens who honor our ancestors who fought for the South and we enjoy portraying their lives and struggles. History is written by the conquerer, but might does not make right. If you are interested in us for those reasons, then we are more than happy to invite you to seek out enlistment in the Washington Guards. However, we will not have amongst us those who are racially intolerant just as we will not tolerate attacks on our ancestors. We are here to educate and you can't do so if your mind is closed. This section is really not needed, but is here for those who can't see the differences between the Southern Cause of 1860-1865 and the 20th Century's racial issues.

Sic Semper Tyrannis!