17th Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Company K

Member of the Georgia Volunteer Battalion

Company K, 17th Georgia Volunteer Infantry at the 145th Battle of Gettysburg

This Page Last Updated July 18, 2008

Introduction

Welcome to the website for the 17th Georgia Infantry Re-enactors. Thank you for expressing an interest in Company K, of the 17th Georgia Infantry Regiment. The 17th Georgia was formed back in 1999 by a group of experienced Civil War Living Historians who desired to be part of a unit that was more family oriented. We began with only four members, but as of now, we have over 25 members and are growing larger every year.

Civil War re-enacting as a whole is growing larger. It is now estimated by the Atlanta Journal Constitution that there are over 75,000 Civil War Re-enactors nationwide, with many more hundreds over seas in places like England, Germany, and Australia.

The 17th Georgia is based out of the Muscogee County area and is a member of the Georgia Volunteer Battalion which has over thirty re-enacting units in it. Our primary impression is that of a Confederate Infantry company during the summer of 1863. By this point in the war, members of the real 17th Georgia had already participated in the Seven Day's Campaign, the Battle of Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, and the Suffolk Campaign in Southern Virginia. When we "galvanize", or portray federal troops, we are Company K of the 17th Michigan Infantry which fought both in the Eastern theater and in the Western theater of the war.

Civil War re-enacting as a big commitment, both in time and money. It will take, in most cases, over $1000 for a private soldier to buy all his gear. Naturally, we don't expect you to buy all your gear at once, and that is why we have items that we can loan out to you until you are able to purchase the gear that you need. Be sure to take an officer or NCO with you when you go to purchase equipment from a sutler. These experienced members know what you need, and can help you to complete your impression. In addition to money, most re-enactments occur on Saturdays and Sundays, and there can be as many as three events in a month. You don't have to attend all of them, but we ask that you try to attend at least one event every two months.

Membership in the 17th Georgia is currently $20.00 per year. This covers the cost of the newsletter, company paperwork, and provides funds for the company to purchase equipment for soldiers who do not yet have all their gear. On this website, you will find an application, by-laws, camp rules, and squad assignments that will explain in greater detail who we are and how we operate. Once again, thank you for expressing an interest in the 17th Georgia, and I hope to see you in camp and on the field with us.

Most Respectfully-

Matthew Young, Captain, commanding;

Co. K, 17th Georgia Volunteer Infantry

IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT AND THOSE WHO DID NOT RETURN