The story of the tragedy of the American Civil War from the Southern perspective is poorly represented in the state of Vermont, and there are already three Union Vermont units organized. Yet, it is an American story, our defining moment in history. It stands as our national triumph– the preservation of the Union, but it also serves as our national tragedy– the death of more Americans on the field of battle than in any other conflict combined. As such, it links and binds the history of all Americans. You can not recount historical events affected by the brave men from Vermont and elsewhere in the North without mentioning the bravery and devotion to duty shown by their adversaries. As united as we are in our present, so are we united in our history.
The 2nd Mississippi was closely involved in several major engagements of the Civil War. They were part of Bernard Bee's brigade when he noticed that Thomas Jackson's troops were standing like a "Stonewall" at the battle of Bull Run. The 2nd Mississippi anchored the extreme left of the Confederate line at the battle of Antietam and the famous photo of Confederate casualties along the fence on the Hagerstown Pike shows the heavy cost they paid. At Gettysburg the 2nd Mississippi charged up through the Railroad Cut on July 1 and suffered its only loss of their colors in a fierce hand to hand struggle with the 6th Wisconsin. Don Troiani's print "Fight For The Colors" illustrates remarkably this well known incident. In the Wilderness in 1864 the 2nd Mississippi fought itself to the brink of elimination. Only darkness saved the 2nd Mississippi from sacrificeing itself in a spoiling suicidal charge. By the early days of 1865, the toll of the trenches at Petersburg had consumed the 2nd Mississippi to the point where there were probably less than 150 men able to fight. The end came in the Spring when Grant's army finally broke through the Confederate lines. The 2nd Mississippi found itself backed up against a swollen creek named Hatcher's Run and cornered on three sides by advancing Union troops. Only a few brave individuals made it across the creek saving their torn and shredded battle flag from capture again. That flag was also saved from the surrender at Appomatox and is currently displayed in its restored state at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
It is a story that will always be worth telling, and the 2nd Mississippi Infantry is 100% dedicated to telling it completely, truthfully, and with captivating passion. Its members are experienced re-enactors fully equipped with authentic uniforms, weaponry, camp equipment and stories to tell that bring history to life
