2nd Colorado- Extras

Our Modern Organizational History

Our company is a organization that grew from two equally prestigious roots to form one dedication to the preservation and education of the noble sacrifice of the United States Solider in one of the most horrific and desperate times of American History: The Civil War.

The experienced elements of our unit were members of The Union Rifles, a respected veteran Reenacting unit that had established a long standing reputation for accuracy in their portrayal of the Civil War Solider. A favorite collaborator with the Oklahoma Historical Society the Union Rifles helped provide educational programs at various state historic sites.

The Oklahoma Department of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was developing a regular program of support for public Civil War events that served as a public relations and education tool. Reenactments drew hundreds of folks every year and the SUVCW wanted to get in touch with them about their ancestors.

At the 2006 Reenactment of the Battle of Middle Boggy Captain Phil Bevers of the Camp 2 David L Payne Camp of the Oklahoma Department met Cal Kinzer of the Union Rifles. Their conversation included a discussion of the 2nd Colorado and their love of Living History and Reenacting. Several of the SUVCW brothers had come in uniform to the Reenactment to support the event (who was in dire need of men in Union uniform) and to promote the SUVCW to the public. The Union Rifles made the Battle of Middle Boggy a regular part of their reenacting schedule.

As the men of the two organizations met and socialized they found they had mutual interest in the preservation of the memory of the men of the Union and more importantly the education of the public in the same. Both groups expressed admiration for the 2nd Colorado historically as a predominate regiment in the history of their proud state and of course everyone found everyone else to be a darn nice fellow!

Throughout the rest of 2006 the two groups exchanged emails and compared ideas on a regiment that could work for both organizations and achieve their joint goal: A Living Museum exhibit. A body of uniformed men that would interact with a video game generation and excite them about a time without electricity. A History lesson that would leap from the pages of their school books and be forever remembered as a childhood moment. What better memorial could there be for the brave men of the Union than remembrance?

Our unit has grown since that time to include several individuals from across not only Oklahoma but the entire US as well. The 2nd Colorado now fulfills a variety of duties including Living History education, ceremonial and patriotic observances, and improving public awareness of the American Civil War.

The Soldier's Life

The 2nd Colorado, Company A newsletter is distributed via email. The Soldier's Life offers informative articles on the Civil War, Reenactment, and Oklahoma History. In addition a regularly updated calendar is included in each email with dates and locations of History events in the Oklahoma area. Email us today to inquire about subscription.

Formerly our company newsletter was named The Skirmish Line, but a change of editor means a change of name. All of the Skirmish Line issues done for the 2nd Colorado are available for download on this page.