4th Regiment, Army of Northern Virginia

(1st North Carolina Battalion)

History

The North Carolina Battalion was formed in 1985 from all the reenactment units in North Carolina to be able to go to the 125th anniversary events as a large group under their own command. This unity lasted until after the 125th Gettysburg. Two units of the original battalion left to form another battalion known as the 2nd NC Battalion. The remainder of the units, which was the bulk of the North Carolina units, assumed the name of the 1st NC Battalion. This battalion has been together from 1988 until the present. We have grown from 100 men to the present strength of 535 men. In 1997 the battalion was given the status of Regiment. This status was given because we were fielding 10 companies and an average of 300 plus men in the ranks at each ANV event.

The rank and file of the regiment now comes from units from Canada to Florida. We have had a lot of units fall in with us at events and like the way the regiment works. They tell other units and word has spread and they try us and become members. One unique thing about the 4th Regiment is that we are a Family organization. We work well with families and also try, as the event allows, giving the progressive members of our organization the experience they desire from each event. We are for the most part a garrison type regiment but as stated we try to make the experience of reenacting an event meaningful for all types of re-enactors.

The 4th Regiment has members who galvanize. Although the regiment, as a whole, does not galvanize and this is left up to the individual unit. All the unit has to do is let the commander know that they will be galvanizing at certain events and that is no problem for us.

The goals of the 4th Regiment is to assure quality leadership and to try as the event will allow getting the most realistic experience from each event they decide to attend. The main concern of the Staff is a good experience for its members. If the Staff can provide good leadership, good camps, water, firewood, and a good fight in the battles this is the job they try to do for the Regiment.

The Regiment at times sends out guidelines for uniforms for certain time frames in the war. However the regiment does not supersede any guidelines set up by individual companies unless they are just completely out of line with known research. If that happens we try to work with the unit and advise not dictate policy.

New members coming into the regiment usually come in as a company. Many companies have a big brother system that helps new members into the hobby. This is usually left up to the units themselves. However the staff of the regiment is always available for questions and to help individuals in their needs. The Staff area at any event is always open to anyone who may want to come by and talk. Please take advantage to this at any time.

This is a short history of the 4th Regiment, 1st Division ANV. The staff and members will be glad to answer any questions you may have about the regiment.

Hope to see you on the field.

Donny Taylor

Col. Donny Taylor, Cmd'ng
4th Regiment,
1st Division,
Army of Northern Virginia