Our purpose is to recreate a typical Regular Army company from the War of 1812.  As US Regulars, this unit will maintain high standards in regards to drill and impressions.  All members are expected to keep their brass polished, leathers cleaned, and a positive attitude towards drill and the Army Regulations of 1794.

    The 6th Regiment of United States Infantry was first organized on May of 1808, and it's recruits were from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.  It was first sent to New Orleans (4 Co's. strong).  The combined force of over 2500 US soldiers suffered more than 1200 dead, due in part to illness and poor living conditions.  In 1810, the Regiment was in the Pittsburg area, and from there, they moved to Natchez.  In 1811, the Regiment came under the command of Col. Jonas Simonds.  In the year of 1812, one company under the command of Capt. Machesney participated in the attack on Queenston Heights.  The 6th Regiment of United States Infantry is credited with being at the battles Ft. George, York, Beaver Dams, Frenchman's Creek, La Colle Mills, and provided the bulk of the Regulars at Plattsburg.  After the war ended in 1815, the 6th was consolidated with the 16th, 22nd, 23rd, and 32nd Regiments to form the 2nd US Infantry Regiment.

Colonel Jonas Simonds, commander of the 6th Regiment had a flair for the dramatic.  He refused to accept the new, all blue uniform, preferring to keep the older 1812 issue coatee, with its red facings and white trim.  Col. Simonds also refused to accept US made muskets.  Instead, he had the 6th issued the British Brown Bess musket.

    The drill of the period was the 1794 version of Baron Von Steubens "Blue Book".  Smyth's drill manual was gradually being phased in during the 1812 period.  So, it would not be uncommon to see units using bits and pieces from others, as the Col. saw fit.

    Membership in the 6th United States Infantry is open to interested parties who wish to participate in its activities, and are willint to adhere to the guidelines, and the bounds of authenticity.  Members are encouraged to focus on the military aspects, but civilian re-enactor impressions will not be discouraged.  Individuals may also elect to re-enact the supporting roles of local men and women who would be found as part of a campaign.  Prospective members will be provided with assistance in the selection and procurement of their equipment.

BATTLE HONORS 1812 - Queenston Heights, Upper Canada 1813 - York (Toronto), Upper Canada              Ft. George, Upper Canada              Beaver Dams, Upper Canada              French Creek, New York 1814 - La Colle, Lower Canada             Plattsburg, New York

You are listening to the 1812 march.

Wasaga under siege

The Battle of Georgian Bay
The War of 1812 website
4th US Infantry
Fort Erie War of 1812 Home Page
Fort McHenry - A Star-Spangled Banner Weekend
Battle of Crysler's Farm  (event)
We Make History: Providers of Historic Dances & Entertainments
Fort Norfolk 1812 website
http://usforces1812.tripod.com
http://1812crownforces.tripod.com                                                                                                                                                  www.britishnativeallies.com

AZ Reenacting

This site last updated on 07/14/04.

Site designed and maintained by D. Kessler
for Phil Holmes, 6th US