Our Origins…Yesterday

This First Colorado Volunteer Infantry was recruited from the mining camps of the Colorado Territory in the fall of 1861. As the miners assembled at Camp Weld (in modern Denver), Confederate General H. H. Sibley invaded the New Mexico Territory with an army of Texans. Marching to the defense of Fort Union, New Mexico, the First Colorado marched 92 miles in just 36 hours. On March 26th and March 28th, 1862, the regiment, with a few regular army troops and two light batteries of artillery, defeated the rebels in battles at Apache Canyon and Glorieta Pass. The Confederates were forced to retreat back to Texas. After service in garrisons across the west, the unit was mustered out of service in late 1865.

This unit was formed in 1974 as a "Living History" reenactment unit whose men and women recreate the experiences of their 1860s counterparts. Dedicated to authenticity, the unit attends various types of events around the region and the rest of the country. The group portrays life over 145 years ago by using accurate reproductions of Civil War uniforms and civilian clothing and training according to 19th century drill manuals.

And Today…

The First Colorado Volunteer Infantry is involved in a number of activities throughout the year. In addition to our social events like the December Ball, Four Mile Fourth of July celebration, and monthly meetings, we have had the opportunity to participate in battle reenactments for several notable films, such as:

The Blue and the Gray
Dream West
Glory
Gettysburg
Andersonville

We also are actively involved in public education and community outreach through living history presentations, classroom lectures training for new members, museum activities, and historical research.