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Battery B, 4^th U.S. Light Artillery is now recruiting men of quality to take to the field in defense of the Union!

Welcome to the home page of Battery B, 4^th U.S. Light Artillery Living History Association, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation. We are glad you found us!

We are a band of American Civil War artillery re-enactors who honor the memory of veterans of the Union artillery during the American Civil War through living history and preservation. The ordnance we currently use consists of: three 12 pound Napoleons, one six pound Howitzer, and one six pound Eagle, all original guns.  Our organization prides itself not only on attention to historic authenticity but to developing and maintaining that esprit de corps among its members. Battery B is a family. Each member dedicates him or herself to looking out for the other.

Battery B, 4^th U.S. Light Artillery Living History Association was founded in 1994 in Milwaukee, WI by members of the 2^nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association who wanted to portray the artillery of the “Iron Brigade.” We have grown from five members to now, almost ten years later, over 25. We have members in three different states: Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Our membership runs the entire length of experience from novice to professional artillerist. Within our ranks are tradesmen, historians, attorneys, retirees, business owners, educators, business professionals, truck drivers, law enforcement personnel, housewives, students, etc. All are dedicated to preserving and recreating the history of this proud battery during the years spanning 1861-1865. This is accomplished through what is known as the medium of “living history.”

The living history phenomenon has been growing by leaps and bounds within this country. For those who are unfamiliar with this term or its by product “living historian” some explanations might be in order. Living historians are those who through the use of material culture, such as authentically reproduced garments, accouterments, tools, etc. attempt to recreate eras now past by actually living and acting as individuals from a by gone era. Equally essential to the material items is the ability to research and use that research in fully rounded portrayals. By bridging the gap of years from then and now living historians try to recreate the past in an effort to educate not only themselves but the general public in which they come in contact. Simply put living history is education through action. By our very name you can see that we are a military living history organization. We focus on the years of the American Civil War (1861-1865).

Created by an act of Congress in 1821 the 4^th U.S. Artillery was a “Regular” regiment. In other words they were professional soldiers in the service of the Federal Government. It was the Regular soldier who was generally the first into new territories expanding American ideals and law, at the same time being shunned by his fellow countryman, and constantly having his belt tightened by a penny pinching Congress.

Discipline in Regular Army was harsh. As modern Americans it sometimes seems incomprehensible to understand the gulf between officers and enlisted men, laundresses and ladies. Members of Battery B maintain a high discipline while at events. They pride themselves on their esprit de corps, ability to drill, maneuver, maintain their equipment, and to wear the complete proscribed uniform.

Each new recruit who joins is placed under the care of an experienced soldier. He is taught how to properly wear his uniform, salute his officers and maintain his equipment. The experienced soldier will instruct the recruit in the duties of the common solder, the cannoneer, tactics, and camp life of the Civil War soldier. You will also learn and live the history of Battery B, the most famous Federal battery of the war.

We also take part in the restoration of Civil War artillery pieces. Our current project is the building of a limber, the two-wheeled ammunition wagon that connects the horses to the cannon. Our members also own both original and reproduction cannons.  Ownership of a cannon is not required for membership. For those who own their own cannon we welcome your participation and stand ready to integrate you in our unit.

Rank is appointed by the commanding officer. All recruits should be aware of the fact this unit is run like a Regular Army battery. Its guidelines, aside from good common sense, are the Army Regulations in effect during the particular time period portrayed. While all are treated like family, and outside of events individual opinions are solicited and encouraged, all decisions regarding the operation of the unit rest with the commanding officer or his appointed delegates (ie. lower ranking officers and NCOs). All members have the ability to rise through the ranks providing they show leadership abilities, are skilled in the drill, and duties in camp and garrison. All leaders must also look out for their charges and avoid the bane of all in authority, the abuse of power. That is why there are also elections every three years, to keep anyone from becoming a tyrant. Though we are portraying a Regular regiment all of our members are volunteers. They are here because they want to be. Without them this unit would not exist. To name them all would take up to much space but suffice it to say each is unique and each is a proud upholder of the nickname: “Bloody B.”

While we are a military unit, civilians play a very important role in our programming. We have both male and female civilians in our unit, which are organized in the "Auxiliary to Battery B, 4^th U.S. Light Artillery". Although women's roles are limited to 19^th century functions, the massive contributions they made to early American development are highlighted at each event. In order to preserve historical accuracy, we do not allow our female members to portray typically male roles.

Several of our ladies excel at cooking. In the 19^th century men did most cooking in the army. However as the commanding officer is a stickler for drill he has managed to convince some of the wives to help out with this duty. They are always more than happy to share a recipe with visitors, and a sample of food for some hungry soldier.

Since we portray U.S. Regulars, we take our drill and our impression seriously while having fun.  We have won awards for marching drill, and won first place in the National Open Cannon Competition at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the home of the modern U.S. Army's Field Artillery Training Center. Many of our members our nationally safety certified.

Our organization publishes a newsletter known as “The Redleg.” It is published six times a year. Each issue is approximately six pages long in newspaper format and contains many articles. Some are source documents, some are humorous stories about events and the members of Battery B.  Subscription to the newsletter is included in your annual dues.

We hope you enjoy your tour through our site. If you would like a new recruit packet you can e-mail or write the contacts below.  Thank you for your interest.