Civil War Scots (and Irish):
The 79th
Highlanders
(79th New York Infantry Regiment)
Founders of the Elizabeth (then Kiowa) Celtic Festival in 1993.
The original 79th New York Highlanders were formed in 1859, just prior to the American Civil War.
The idea was promoted by the British Counsel in New York, along with the New York Caledonian Club (which still
exists and is thriving to this day). The number "79" being available, and corresponding to the famous 79th Cameron
Highlanders of the British Army, it was determined to pattern much of the regiment's uniform after its British
forebearer.
Before the firing on Fort Sumter, the Regiment had four kilted companies, and, besides drilling as a militia regiment
(equal to our national guard now), the 79th Highlanders provided a contingent of soldiers for visiting dignataries and
special events. They were part of a review for the Prince of Wales, as well as welcoming the Japanese ambassador.
With the firing on Fort Sumter and the immediate threat to the nation's capital, they "volunteered to a man" to answer
President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men to restore order and the rule of law. First, however, they needed to meet
war department "manning standards" and had to recruit up to wartime levels. That meant that four companies would not
be enough: they had to have ten companies.
What had been a regiment of mostly Scottish immigrants, now had a large Irish contingent, and anyone else who wanted to
join. While the first four companies were kilted, it was decided to have the next four companies in taran trews (pants
made of kilt material), since the available tartan "yardage" would make a lot more pants than kilts. The remaining two
companies wore the light blue pants common to Union Army regiments, although the coat was similar to the other companies.
Their first battle was Bull Run, and they were under the brigade command of (then) Colonel William T. Sherman (later
the famous General). In that battle, they fought well and suffered much...in fact, their regimental commander, Col. Cameron,
was killed and the regiment suffered the most casulties of any Union Army regiment, and was the last to leave the field,
covering the Army's retreat.
Left: Col. Morrison leading the 79th Highlanders in the heroic but failed assult near Charleston, SC in 1862.
Right: The "National Colors" of the 79th NY showing the battles fought. (NY State Museum, Albany)
They were considered one of the best regiments in the Civil War, of either side. As the Charleston Mercury Newspaper
said, "Thank God Lincoln only has one 79th Regiment." Come visit the tent display and talk to some of the attending
members, portraying Company A of the 79th Highlanders.
This Festival was started by this group, The 79th Highlanders Living History Association,back in 1993 in Kiowa.
The group consists of a pipe band, a color guard, an infantry component (carrying rifles, doing platoon drill and manuevers,
marching with the pipe band), and Civil War era camp followers (civilians--men, women and children). The pipe band
meets every week (Sunday afternoons) at the Kiowa Masonic Lodge. Beginners are welcome!
The Infantry component plans to meet once a month for drill and deportment work, depending on schedules.
This group also marches in parades.
The 79th Highlanders often has displays at different events, such as at the reopening of the Elbert
County History Museum in Kiowa, and at Highland Games and also at Encampments.
The "Regiment" is recruiting! Come join the gallant 79th Highlanders! You will learn about the regiment, and
the story of Scots and Irish immigrants in America's largest war. Come to the encampment at the west end of the Clan Row.
Contact:
79th Highlanders Living History Association
Lt. Col. Jim Campbell, Commanding Officer
33425 U.S. Highway 24
Calhan, CO 80808-8300
Phone: 719-541-4275
Email: jmcmpbil@aol.com
Website: The 79th Highlanders Living History Association
Total hits on this page since Jun 25th, 2008: 1831Monthly hits on this page since Feb 1st, 2012: 9
The original 79th New York Highlanders were formed in 1859, just prior to the American Civil War.
The idea was promoted by the British Counsel in New York, along with the New York Caledonian Club (which still
exists and is thriving to this day). The number "79" being available, and corresponding to the famous 79th Cameron
Highlanders of the British Army, it was determined to pattern much of the regiment's uniform after its British
forebearer.
Before the firing on Fort Sumter, the Regiment had four kilted companies, and, besides drilling as a militia regiment
(equal to our national guard now), the 79th Highlanders provided a contingent of soldiers for visiting dignataries and
special events. They were part of a review for the Prince of Wales, as well as welcoming the Japanese ambassador.
With the firing on Fort Sumter and the immediate threat to the nation's capital, they "volunteered to a man" to answer
President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men to restore order and the rule of law. First, however, they needed to meet
war department "manning standards" and had to recruit up to wartime levels. That meant that four companies would not
be enough: they had to have ten companies.
What had been a regiment of mostly Scottish immigrants, now had a large Irish contingent, and anyone else who wanted to
join. While the first four companies were kilted, it was decided to have the next four companies in taran trews (pants
made of kilt material), since the available tartan "yardage" would make a lot more pants than kilts. The remaining two
companies wore the light blue pants common to Union Army regiments, although the coat was similar to the other companies.
Their first battle was Bull Run, and they were under the brigade command of (then) Colonel William T. Sherman (later
the famous General). In that battle, they fought well and suffered much...in fact, their regimental commander, Col. Cameron,
was killed and the regiment suffered the most casulties of any Union Army regiment, and was the last to leave the field,
covering the Army's retreat.
Left: Col. Morrison leading the 79th Highlanders in the heroic but failed assult near Charleston, SC in 1862.
Right: The "National Colors" of the 79th NY showing the battles fought. (NY State Museum, Albany)
They were considered one of the best regiments in the Civil War, of either side. As the Charleston Mercury Newspaper
said, "Thank God Lincoln only has one 79th Regiment." Come visit the tent display and talk to some of the attending
members, portraying Company A of the 79th Highlanders.
This Festival was started by this group, The 79th Highlanders Living History Association,back in 1993 in Kiowa.
The group consists of a pipe band, a color guard, an infantry component (carrying rifles, doing platoon drill and manuevers,
marching with the pipe band), and Civil War era camp followers (civilians--men, women and children). The pipe band
meets every week (Sunday afternoons) at the Kiowa Masonic Lodge. Beginners are welcome!
The Infantry component plans to meet once a month for drill and deportment work, depending on schedules.
This group also marches in parades.
The 79th Highlanders often has displays at different events, such as at the reopening of the Elbert
County History Museum in Kiowa, and at Highland Games and also at Encampments.
The "Regiment" is recruiting! Come join the gallant 79th Highlanders! You will learn about the regiment, and
the story of Scots and Irish immigrants in America's largest war. Come to the encampment at the west end of the Clan Row.
Contact:
79th Highlanders Living History Association
Lt. Col. Jim Campbell, Commanding Officer
33425 U.S. Highway 24
Calhan, CO 80808-8300
Phone: 719-541-4275
Email: jmcmpbil@aol.com
Website: The 79th Highlanders Living History Association
Total hits on this page since Jun 25th, 2008: 1831Monthly hits on this page since Feb 1st, 2012: 9
Lt. Col. Jim Campbell, Commanding Officer
33425 U.S. Highway 24
Calhan, CO 80808-8300
Phone: 719-541-4275
Email: jmcmpbil@aol.com
Website: The 79th Highlanders Living History Association
Total hits on this page since Jun 25th, 2008: 1831
Monthly hits on this page since Feb 1st, 2012: 9