During the war, the original 2nd Kentucky Cavalry was a regiment of "Kentucky Orphans", so-called because their service to the Confederacy estranged them from their home State, which did not secede from the Union. Under the command of the famous raider, Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan, and his brother-in-law, Colonel Basil Duke, the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry fought in the western theater of operations against the United States Armies of Ohio, Tennessee, and the Cumberland. While the 2nd Kentucky of yesterday saw military action in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Ohio, the 2nd Kentucky of today sees action in the form of elementary school educational programs, parades, and approximately 15 weekend Civil War re-enactments each year.
The 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, Company D, was recreated in 1985 by Addison, Illinois resident and equestrian, Richard Hargreaves. Hargreaves, who now serves Company D as 2nd Lieutenant and its Commanding Officer, has guided the unit in fellowship to its largest membership total yet. Together with his wife, Valarie, they have contributed not only to the cohesiveness of Company D, but are kown in the Midwest for their living history activism. As editor of the newsletter, The Haversack Herald, Richard Hargreaves keeps the varied re-enactment units in the Midwest informed of important events and developments in the world of Civil War re-enacting
Lt. Hargreaves is ably assisted by his staff consisting of Sergeants, Lee Esarove and Kenneth Wallenberg, and Corporals, Richard Schimenti, Judith Esarove, Gary Downey and Mary Simich. By administering to preparations and to the needs of Company D in the field, they provide invaluable leadership to the unit through drill, training, and expertise. Their contributions of time and effort have succeeded in displaying an authentic presentation of battle procedures and camp life during the War Between the States.
Known as a mounted artillery unit for the horse-drawn mountain howitzer which is its centerpiece, Company D also boasts a section of both mounted and dismounted cavalry troopers. It is the dimounted troopers who serve on foot in an infantry capacity and gun support role during battle re-enactments. Standard weaons used by the troopers include pistols, carbines, and scatterguns.
The re-enactment events that are attended by the unit are generally at sites in Illinois and Indiana. They typically consist of both scripted and unscripted battle scenarios as the main attraction, but may also include educational presentations, demonstrations, commercial displays by sutlers, refreshments, and music and dancing. Living historians representing both Union and Confederate sympathies remain on site from Friday until Sunday afternoon, usually dividing themselves into two encampments. For a portion of this time, the camps are open to the public for tours and the area is kept as authentic as possible, with no modern conveniences or contrivances in evidence.
The 2nd Kentucky Cavalry, Company D, is made up of families who gather together, not only to provide an authentic representation of American history, but also to enjoy themselves in doing it. Authenticity and military decorum in camp is stressed during the day while in view of the public, but regulations are relaxed during after hours. Modern attire and conveniences that are hidden away inside shelter tents during the day are allowed in the evening and every effort is made to maintain a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. To that end, profane language and drunken behavior is not allowed. Several of these regulations were incorporate into General Order No. 5, which was issued 27 July 1863 (1998).
Need More Information See Our Recruitment Page
To Contact The Recruitment Officer:
I just might be interested to” join the cavalry”, 2nd KY Company D!
This Page Made By Johnny Reb and his dad
To Contact Johnny Reb or his dad Click
Here
To Contact the Commanding officer,email Lt.
Hargreaves