14th Tennessee Infantry Regiment

Past:

The 14th Tennessee Infantry Regiment was organized at Camp Duncan, Montgomery County, Tennessee, June 6th 1861 and remained in camp until July 12th, 1861 when they were ordered to Virginia. Under the command of Colonel William A. Forbes, the 14th Tennessee was formed into a brigade with the 1st Tennessee and 7th Tennessee Infantry Regiments, and became the famed "Tennessee Brigade" of the Army of Northern Virginia.

The regiment took part in the Seven Day's battles before Richmond and suffered heavy casualties repelling McClellan's Union invaders. The brigade was then attached to Stonewall Jackson's command, a part of the division commanded by General A.P. Hill, in the "Tennessee Brigade" commanded by General Archer. It was under this command that the regiment, and Archer's Brigade as a whole, gained their greatest triumphs.

At the battle of Second Manassas, Jackson's men attacked Union General John Pope's rear and the 14th was engaged in each battle for four days. The regiment was engaged at Prospect Hill on September 1st, 1862 and then marched to Frederick, Maryland. It then took an active part in the capture of Harper's Ferry on September 14th and 15th. On the 17th of September they made a forced march with the rest of Hill's "Light Division", including the 1st South Carolina, to Sharpsburg. They covered the distance of 17 miles in seven and a half hours. Upon their arrival on the field, they were hurled at Burnside's Federals and drove the men in blue back in disorder, thus saving Lee's army. Upon Lee's withdrawal to Virginia following the battle of Sharpsburg, the 14th was part of the rear guard taking part in the battle of Shepardstown.

The regiment was then engaged successively in the Battle of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gaines' Station. On June 1st, 1863, the regiment was ordered to march into Pennsylvania, and on July 1st engaged the Federals at Gettysburg. On July 3rd 1863 the regiment took part in Pickett's Charge across the field assaulting the Federals on Cemetery Ridge. The 14th has the distinction of being the only Confederate regiment to plant its colors on the stone wall behind which the Federals fought.

The regiment retired to Virginia with the rest of Lee's army and remained at Orange Courthouse until November 26th, 1863. On the 27th the 14th engaged the enemy at Mine Run, after which they returned to Orange Courthouse.

On the 23rd of January, 1864, the 14th adopted a resolution for reenlistment in the service of the Confederate States of America for the duration of the war, thus being the first regiment to do so. During the year that remained, the 14th participated in the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and the siege of Petersburg. The 14th was actively engaged in the last battle fought by the Army of Northern Virginia on April 2nd, 1865. On April 9th the 14th Tennessee Regiment was surrendered with the tattered remnants of Lee's proud army.

Present:

The 14th Tennessee was reactivated for the purposes of participating in North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) skirmishes in 1974, originally under the command of Joseph Syler. In addition to the N-SSA the members of the 14th are involved in many Civil War events. As a unit they have assisted in the dedication of a Tennessee monument at Gettysburg. Several members regularly speak at area schools on Civil War topics. Others are "sutlers" of Civil War arms and equipment at reenactment events, and some members take part in living history, helping to educate the public.

The 14th Tennessee has assisted in hosting three National Championships, and a good number of Northwest Territory Regional Skirmishes. The 14th is an active participant in the Northwest Territory, having provided several members who have held regional offices, up to and including the Regional Commander.

The 14th, as a Confederate unit, strives for accuracy in its portrayal of the original unit. Many members hand sew their clothing using current research and original patterns, of wool and other natural fibers to most closely approximate the originals. Bothers Gary and Rick Simmons of the 14th Tennessee have each won the N-SSA's much coveted Robert L. Miller award for the quality of their uniforms. The 14th as a whole have been awarded the "Best Uniformed Confederate" unit citation no less than 5 times, and as been awarded the Northwest Territory's "Military Bearing Award" as well.

As a unit, the 14th enjoys a unique relationship with its members, both present and past. In addition to a winter awards dinner, members often celebrate other special occasions together, making the unit more of an extended family. We are interested in expanding that "extended family" to anyone who is interested in an authentic appearance, a good time, and good friends.