The Mason-Dixon Regiment

The Infantry is the oldest and most numerous of the Combat Arms in the armed forces, and consists of soldiers who predominantly fight on foot; an infantry soldier is an infantryman. Infantry units are the only types of land forces that can occupy and hold positions, and therefore have the most physically demanding training in the army, emphasizing physical fitness, physical strength, and aggressive character that augments marching, all of which are required due to the primary role of the infantry to engage in ground combat. 

Specifically to the American Civil War, the infantry were the foot soldiers.  The technology of the time was limited horse drawn carriages and cannon.  Infantry soldiers wore “booties” called Brogans.  These shoes were probably the most uncomfortable shoes ever made! 

            The infantry soldier of the American Civil War usually carried a rifled musket.  The two main manufacturers were Springfield Arms in the U.S. and Enfield in England.  Both muskets shot a 58 caliber bullet called a “Minnie ball.”  This round was rather slow moving but did massive damage to human tissue and bone. 

The Union soldier wore a dark blue wool sack coat with sky blue trousers.  Each soldier carried a black-tarred haversack along with a canteen.  A black leather belt adorned with an oval US buckle held the cap pouch containing percussion caps for the musket.  A cartridge box was suspended over the shoulder by a leather strap.  The typical headgear was either a “kepi” or a “bummer or forage” cap. 

In the Mason-Dixon Regiment, the infantry is the heart of the unit.  The soldiers make up the majority of the unit and present demonstrations to the public.  The infantry is attached to Birney’s Division under the command of Lt. General Ed Kelly.  Our unit represents the 11^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Co. F.  Our local commander is Lt. Charles Friedly.  The non-commissioned officer is Corporal Jared Friedly.