2011 the 150th Anniversary

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2011 the 150th Anniversary

of the beginning of the “Civil War”

Historical Highlights for Illinois

1861

Governor Yates received communication from the War Department, S.P. Chase, on April 15, 1861 to send troops to defend the Union at or near Grand Cairo, IL. Ten Infantry Regiments and 1 Cavalry Regiment were established and the Illinois State Militia General, R. K. Swift, was appointed to command on April 19, 1861.  The command established Head-Quarters and by April 22, 1861, left Chicago by train and had encamped near Cairo at Fort Defiance.  The first action was to stop two steamers loaded with powder and small arms.

        “HeadQuarters Camp Cairo, April 24, 1861 Colonel B.M. Pretiss, Dear Sir; The      steamers, C.E. Hillman and John D. Perry, are about to leave St. Louis with arms and munitions. Stop said boats and seize arms and munitions.

                                                             Richard Yates, Commander-in-Chief.”

 On April 25, 1861, a small contingent consisting of the Chicago Light Artillery commanded by Captain James Smith and 25 infantrymen seized the transports and confiscated all contraband articles. It is also on this date that the Illinois State Assembly in special session commissioned the raising of 6 regiments listed as the 7th thru the 12th with 750 men each, to which this first force was added. It was also decided they should be known as the 1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers.

2009/2010

The history of the War of Rebellion “Civil War” has come to another milestone.  April of 1861 to April 2011 will be the 150th Anniversary of the opening of hostilities between southern seceding states against the Federal Government. This year will also mark the 150th Anniversary for the creation of the 1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers by the Illinois State Assembly. The present day reenacting 1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers Organization is looking to provide a historical perspective of those early days in April 1861 for 2011.  To put this in context, in 1861 the male citizens of the state of Illinois in mass patriotic zeal, volunteered to defend the State from invasion of southern forces and to fulfill the call-to-arms quota by the Federal Government. In modern times, the volunteerism of the populace isn’t the same as 1861.  Reenactors volunteer their spare time plus provide their own uniforms and weapons for the re-creation of ‘Civil War” events.  The reenactor’s impression is geared to provide the general public with an accurate portrayal of the life of soldiers during the war years of 1861 to 1865. What once was a solemn duty is now a hobby.

2011

An historical event is being planned, by the 1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers reenacting membership, to reenact certain events that occurred April 19th thru the 23rd 1861 in the State of Illinois.

Recruitment of the Militia in Chicago April 1861.

 The Call to Arms! 

 9, April 2011 – Chicago History Museum 

The 1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers will be featured at the museum on Saturday April 9, 2011.  The time has been altered from 10AM to 3PM. (Please note that the ending time is now 3PM not 4PM) Muster at the museum should be at 9AM so all is ready for the opening time.   

   http://www.chicagohs.org/documents/plan-a-visit/chm-Calendar.pdf     

Donations are Tax Deductible.

Contact the Secretary of the 1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers Board for more details. 

1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers is granted a Illinois State Employer Identification number, DLN Federal IRS 501 (c) (3) and is listed as a Public Charity under 170 (b) (3) (A) (vi).  Also the 1st Brigade Illinois Volunteers is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2053, 2106 or 2522 of the code.  This was effective as of December 16, 2009.

http://www.1stbrigadeillinoisvolunteers.com

Website designed and maintained by david dellinger 

headquarters1bn@gmail.com