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NOV 19: 160th Gettysburg Address Commemoration at the Oakwood Cemetery in Hastings, MN. This event was hosted by the Dakota County Historical Society and was at the grave site of James Akers, who was the Company H, 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment 1st Sergeant who was killed in action at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. This ceremony was facilitated by Dakota County Historical Society President and 1st Minnesota member Spencer Johnson, who talked about the 1st Minnesota Infantry's road to Gettysburg. Researcher Corrine Marz talked about James Akers. Member Gary Carlberg as Major General Hancock spoke on his role at the Battle of Gettysburg. General Hancock received a telegraph message (Gettysburg Address) from President Lincoln, which was read by Mayor Mary Fasbender. The 1st Minnesota fired three volleys, the Chaplain led a couple songs and a prayer, the VFW fired three volleys, and taps were played. A salute to 1st Minnesota reenactors (left to right in photo of 6) Gary Carlberg, Arn Kind, Jackson Piper, John Phillips, Matt Nyquist and Spencer Johnson.
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Photos of groundbreaking by Diane Sannes
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The Minnesota Legionnaire, October 2023
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AUG 12: Last Union Soldier ceremony, Duluth Attended by 1st Minnesota members Gary Carlberg, Matthew Nyquist, Jackson Piper and Jimmy Johnson. "A very special ceremony honoring Albert Woolson, the last Civil War Veteran buried in St Louis County, MN who also happened to have been the LAST American Civil War Veteran. It was held in Duluth, MN Saturday August 12th when he died in 1956, he was 106 years old. He was the last member of the Civil War Veterans organization called the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). There were numerous guests, including three 4th cousins of Albert Woolson, others who participated included members of the Col. William Colvill, Camp 56, Dept of Wisconsin, 1st MN Infantry, a Sons of Veterans Reserve honor guard who fired three volleys, several dignitaries including a President Lincoln reenactor who recited the Gettysburg address. A shot from the authentic 12-pound Napoleon cannon of Battery I, 1st US Artillery got the ceremony off to a rousing start with a blast and black powder smoke. A wreath laying ceremony and reception was held at the Duluth Depot early in the afternoon." Vern Barker |
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This trip promised to be an adventure and we were not disappointed. We convoyed out with 2 large vans and a trailer, taking advantage of being in the "Eastern Theater" to visit five battlefields before the reenactment. Battlefields visited: Cedar Creek, Manassas (aka Bull Run), Chancellorsville, Ellwood Manor, and the last battle the 1st Minnesota Infantry fought on Bristow Station (aka Bristoe Station).
Saturday morning after the parade we had time to form the disparate units that came into one company and then to drill as one. We had 4 soldiers from Campany 2 go AWOL; the Provost Marshall is looking for them. THE BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN, AUGUST 9, 1862 (extract) "With the Peninsula Campaign coming to a close, Gen. Robert E. Lee sent 27,000 troops under Maj. Gens. Stonewall Jackson and A.P. Hill to attack Maj. Gen. John Pope’s new Federal Army of Virginia. Hoping to draw attention away from Maj. Gen. George McClellan’s withdrawal from the Peninsula, John Pope moved to take the strategic rail junction at Gordonsville, Va. On August 9, Stonewall Jackson’s three divisions crossed the Rapidan River and approached Banks’s position. With the August temperatures soaring, the Confederates advanced their artillery to engage the Federal line. During the prolonged artillery duel, both Stonewall Jackson and Brig. Gen. Charles Winder participated in firing Confederate artillery pieces. At roughly 5:00 p.m., Nathaniel Banks launched two attacks against the Confederate positions. One column of Federal troops moved against Confederate forces near the Cedars while a second force advanced against the Rebel guns placed near the Crittenden Gate. Pressed by the Union advance, the Confederate guns and much of their infantry support pulled back from their positions. With defeat in the air, Stonewall Jackson rode into the center of the fighting and attempted to draw his sword that was rusted within its scabbard. Undaunted, Jackson waved a battle flag and his scabbard-encased sword over his head as he worked to rally his forces. Reinvigorated by Jackson’s bravery, the Confederates launched a counterattack that drove back the Union wave. Banks’s troops, exhausted and nearly out of ammunition, steadily gave way under the relentless Rebel pressure. Meanwhile, on the Confederate left, Jackson had urged Brig. Gen. Lawrence O"Bryan Branch’s regiments to advance on the Union line. Branch’s soldiers collapsed the Federal right, as Confederate Maj. Gen. Richard Ewell’s division drove back the left. By 7:00 p.m., the Union line was in full retreat. By the Center for Civil War Photography Saturday, August 6 scenario: Assault of the 28th New York. At approximately 6:00 PM on August 9, 1862, three regiments of General Samuel Crawford’s Brigade attacked across a wheatfield on the western side of Cedar Mountain Battlefield. They shattered the incomplete left flank of the Confederate battle line and routed most of the regiments present, pursuing them almost ½ mile and overrunning the Confederate artillery on Crittenden Lane, before being stopped by fresh Confederate troops. In this scenario US participants will be following in the footsteps of the 28th NY Volunteer Infantry that took 358 men into battle and lost over 200 of them. A new mission we were given was to be the skirmishers while in advance of the 7th Ohio infantry on Sunday, so after the morning parade we drilled on that tactic. Sunday, August 7 scenario: Attack of the 7th Ohio. At approximately 6:15 PM on August 9, 1862 four regiments of Ohio troops under General John W. Geary, advanced through a cornfield bordering the Orange-Culpeper Road, into the teeth of Confederate (47th Alabama, 48th Virginia, and 37th North Carolina) musket and artillery fire. The brigade was in two lines of two regiments each. On the right of the first line was the 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The 7th OH took 309 men into battle that day and 191 would become casualties in the space of 30 minutes. US participants will walk in the footsteps of the 7th OH as they take casualties, close ranks, and press on. The majority of these photos were taken by 1st Minnesota member Russ Windahl, with additional photos by Gary Carlberg, Kendra Sullivan and Mark Dittman. Link to Civil War Reenactment Highlights of the battle on the 2nd day: Cedar Mountain Anniversary by the American Battlefield Trust: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2hzoW6nyD4 |
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APR 30: Last Soldier Dedication - Murray County Last Union Soldier Dedication at the Slayton Cemetery in Slayton. In partnership with the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Camp 56 and the local American Legion, the First Minnesota paid respect to Private Edwin Wheeler. Soldiers participating were dual members 1SG Urbanski, PVT Carlberg, and PVT Blankenburg. Additional 1st Minnesota members PVT Arn Kind, PVT Dan Hays and PVT Peter Moon also attended. While the light rain reduced the number of people who attended, it was a nicely done event. Photos by Georgia Lursen.
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MAY 13-15: Spring Muster - 3 Rivers Park (aka Murphy's Landing) in Shakopee, MN.
We had a good turnout of old troops who needed to shake the dust off and several new troops who were either drilling for the first time or attempting to muster in. 1st SGT Urbanski provided four classes intended for practical application of our impressions in the field: musket cleaning and care, packing a knapsack/bedroll, pitching and camping in a shelter tent, and the campaign uniform: practical tips for the field. 13. In addition, there was company drill to help us to be ready for upcoming parades and Cedar Mountain, Le Duc, etc. The following members of the First Minnesota mustered in, for both knowledge and drill, at our Spring Muster: PVT Blake Green, PVT Dan Hayes, PVT Matthew Moon, PVT Matthew Nyquist, and PVT Jackson Piper. Congratulations Privates! Thanks to our cooks Catie Jacobs and company, and to PVT Miles Jewell for coordinating the logistics for this great event. Photos courtesy of John Phillips and Richard Farber. PVT John Phillips shared the fun from our Spring muster at the Landing: * Video1: (2min) Camp cooks around the fire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL91wO7uV4o * Video2: Artillery drill and firing! https://www.facebook.com/BatteryI Photos below by Kyle Watts, and of PVT McCrady by Gary Carlberg |
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MAY 15: Last Soldier Dedication - The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) conducted the Ramsey County Last Union Soldier dedication ceremony with the assistance of reenactors from the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Battery I 1st US Artillery and the North St. Paul American Legion. This ceremony was at the Union Cemetery in Maplewood. The last soldier is PVT Washington Fisher from Company G, 49th WI Infantry. He was a member of the Garfield Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post No. 8 in St. Paul and in 1937 he was named State Adjutant General of the Minnesota GAR. He was an honorary member of the SUVCW. The First Minnesota conducted "Rest on Arms" and fired three volleys of musketry. This was followed by Battery I 1st US Artillery firing two blanks. These were great crowd-pleasing events. Dual First Minnesota and SUVCW members included 1st SGT Doug Urbanski (as Captain), PVT Mark Dittman, and PVT Gary Carlberg (as 1st Lieutenant). Other First Minnesota members included SGT Martin Goff, PVT Dave McCollum, PVT Windahl and PVT Patrick Chase. MAY 30: Memorial Day parade in Woodbury with a ceremony at the Woodbury Lions Veterans Memorial. This event was hosted by Woodbury VFW Post 9024 and the Woodbury American Legion Post 501 to honor residents who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Retired Woodbury Fire Chief John Wallgren delivered a speech after Mayor Anne Burt welcomed all who attended the ceremony. The VFW Post 9024 and American Legion Post 501 were joined by the Woodbury Air Force JROTC unit, the Patriotic Heritage Allegiant Guard, Cub Scout Pack 559, and the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Members participating: Captain Tom Shaw, Regimental Sergeant Major John Taylor (with Regimental Colors), musicians John Guthmann and Jim Moffet; 1st Sargent Doug Urbanski, 2nd Sergeant Keith Kosek, 3rd Sergeant Martin Goff, Corporals Mike Settle, LeRoy Burggraff and David McConnell; Orderly Sergeant Mark Dittman, Recruiting Sergeant Madison Shaw; and Privates Stephen Osman, Kurtis Klotzbuecher, Evan Windahl (with US Colors), Dan Hayes, Brad Scarp, and Pat Chase. Photos by permission from Russ Windahl. |
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JUN 11: "Charge of the 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment at Gettysburg" at the Department of Minnesota VFW State Convention in St. Cloud. In the upper left photo Major General Hancock (Gary Carlberg), talks to his Aide-de-Camp Lieutenant Colonel Charles Morgan (Bob Krominga), on how General Birney’s Division in III Corps is making a run to the rear as they are chased by about 1,600 Confederates from an Alabama Brigade. Hancock looks for reinforcements, sees an Infantry Regiment of about 260 marching in and asks the Commander, "What Regiment is this?" Colonel Colvill (Doug Urbanski), Commander of the First Minnesota Regiment, replies, "First Minnesota.” “Colonel, do you see those colors? Charge those lines,” commands Hancock. The First Minnesota fixes bayonets, goes to right should shift, at the double quick, and then they charge without a man deserting. Hancock is informed that Colonel Colvill took a hit, so did his deputy and the Color bearer, but the colors came back up and they continued their charge! The stunned Confederates retreated, the First Minnesota captured the colors of the 20th Virginia and bought enough time for reinforcements to arrive! Hancock then reports the amazing bravery of the First Minnesota to Major General George Meade (VFW Commander Barry Henriksen). A fine performance by the First Minnesota (Gary Carlberg as Major General Hancock, Doug Urbanski as Colonel Colvill, PVT Matt Nyquist, SGT Martin Goff, CPL LeRoy Burggraff, PVT Evan Windahl, PVT Pat Chase, CPL Mike Settle, PVT Travis Ray, RSM John Taylor and CPL Dave McConnell), SGT Jimmy Johnson from the SUVCW, Lieutenant Colonel Bob Krominga and other volunteers from VFW Post 1782. Video by Russ Windahl https://www.facebook.com/1031264336/videos/503299454908640/ Photos by VFW, George Brown, Russ Windahl and Gregory Moon. The VFW Honor Guard member in the photo is the Great-Grandson of a 1st Minnesota survivor! The VFW Commander thanked the First Minnesota and recommended we do this again at future banquets. JUN 17: Manitou Day Parade in White Bear Lake, MN The unit formed up by the GAR monument in White Bear Lake, then marched after the VFW, with the American Legion to lead the parade. The new colors looked great, and we had a good turnout of soldiers. Unit members participating were 1SG Doug Urbanski, SGT Martin Graff, CPL Mike Settle, CPL LeRoy Burggraff, Orderly SGT Mark Dittman, PVT Matt Nyquist, PVT Jackson Piper, PVT Evan Windahl and PVT Brad Scarp. Link to video by Russ Windahl https://www.facebook.com/1031264336/videos/718570539262101/ The 1st Minnesota has been requested by the White Bear Lake American Legion to participate in a special event on Memorial Day at Union Cemetery in 2023. |
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JUL 9: Pan-O-Prog Parade - in Lakeview, MN. The Lakeville Panorama of Progress organization (Pan-O-Prog) is one of our favorites as we march and fire in this one-mile parade with an "...estimated 20,000 spectators lining the entire parade route". According to the sponsor, ... our high-quality parade is regarded as one of the “very best” in Minnesota. We had 13 soldiers attend under the leadership of First Sergeant Urbanski. After marching to the starting area, then marching wearing wool in the heat, the shuttle bus was a welcome site. Photos by Gary Carlberg and Pauline Wesley. |
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Private Blake Green, Corporal Dittman, Private Dave McCollum and Sergeant Keith Kosek stacking arms.
Camp Cook Catie Jacobs in action
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Privates Matt Moon and Blake Green making minnie balls
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Private Blake Green performing "rest on arms"
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October 9 -
SUVCW Camp 56 Commander and 1st Minnesota member Doug Urbanski led the ceremony with support of Brothers Jimmy Johnson and Gary Carlberg (also a member of the 1st Minnesota). In support were two additional members of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry (Privates John Taylor and Patrick Chase), two members of the American Legion, Jody Marquardt (with cannon) and Orvis Dahlen as the Civil War bugler. A salute to "Cap" James Colehour's G-Grandson Jay Johnson for his work coordinating the ceremony with the community and for his work in the impressive "Prospect House and Civil War Museum" (www.prospecthousemuseum.org) in Battle Lake that we all visited and enjoyed. There are some rare treasures there. |
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