The First Regiment of
United States Riflemen
Celeritas et Audeo
As with any subject of history, it is possible to write volumes of information for almost any subject. Here is a brief summary of the Regiment of Riflemen during their short existence from 1808-1821.
After the War of Independence, commonly referred to as The Revolutionary War, the United States Army realized the usefulness of troops that operate in unconventional tactics and using rifles which are more accurate and useful at greater distances. In 1799, Congress authorized the formation of a regiment of soldiers that were to be a specialized unit that would use the more accurate rifle and tactics that did not constrict them to the common linear battle line.
However, it wasn't until 1808 that funds were granted to actually raise such a body of troops. With the funds allocated, The First Regiment of United States Riflemen was born. Originally known as simply "The Regiment of Riflemen", they were issued the model 1803 rifle and uniforms that were unique from all other U.S. military uniforms. The summer uniform was a style of hunting frock that was green with yellow fringe. For winter and dress, a yellow trimmed green wool coatee and trousers were issued similar in pattern to other troops. Most of the rest of their uniform was the same as other troops but using their own insignia where appropriate. In 1814, due to cost, difficulty of obtaining the green wool and the prospect of having to uniform three more regiments, the winter uniform was changed to gray. But they retained their summer uniform green and yellow frocks.
Their accoutrements, differing from the Infantry, included a waist belt from which they mounted a linen cartridge in the front, an axe or tomahawk, and scalping knife which were "not necessarily issue items". After several months, the linen cartridge pouches were literally falling apart and would not hold up under use. Shortly thereafter, a leather belly box was adopted. In addition to these items, the Riflemen carried the common issue haversack, canteen and knapsack of other troops. But this isn't the only items they were issued. In addition to the belly box for the carrying of cartridges, the Riflemen also carried a bullet pouch (a similar hunting bag) and a powder horn.
Tactics and missions for Riflemen were varied. Although they were required to know and could be called to fall in to the battle line with the Infantry, they were contemporary guerilla fighters borrowing tactics from the Light Infantry and even Indians. They were consistently sent ahead as an advance guard, then stayed behind to cover the rear flank. The first in the field and last out. In battle, they were advanced to mask their own troops by spreading across the battle field and flanks, and to harass and disrupt enemy movements and positioning. Their mission was generally to snipe and kill the officers, NCOs and musicians. When their own troops were in position and ready, the signal would be given to unmask and they would retire to either the reserve or form flank on the battle line and attack with the Infantry or continue to harass the enemy. They were cunning soldiers to frequently face an enemy many times their number. Their success depended on speed and daring.
Riflemen were dispatched as scouts. Running advanced patrols to guide a troop movement. They were also used as flank guards, spread out around the main body of troops marching in column to protect from surprise attack and again guiding the main body through the easiest area to traverse.
While operating independently, typical movement would be in "Indian File" and moving at "Indian Pace". Basically, their movements were by file of one or two stepping at a trot.
The War of 1812, our second War of Independence
With the outbreak of war in 1812, it was believed that the Riflemen would be very valuable in most theaters of operation. So much so that in 1813, three more regiments were authorized and in early 1814 were recruited and raised. Normally being detached to other regiments by companies or platoons, they performed well in their unusual missions. Although the Second and Third Regiments did not see much in the way of action, the (now numbered) First and Fourth Regiments were very active, especially in the Niagara Campaigns of 1814. Below is a list of battles that Riflemen were involved1.
1811...
Nov. 6 Tippecanoe Hawkins' coy (Baptism by fire).
1812...
Apr. Siege of St. Augustine 2 coys.
Sept. 21 Gananoque, UC Forsyth's coy 1 Rifles.
1813...
Feb. 7 Elizabethtown, UC Detach Forsyth's coy 1 Rifles.
Feb. 22 Ogdensburg, NY 1 coy 1 Rifles.
Apr. 27 York (Toronto), UC 1 coy 3 Art; 1 Rifles; 6, 15, 16, 21 Inf.
May 27 Ft. George, UC Detach 2 Lt Drag; detach Lt Art; detachs 2 & 3 Art;
detach 1 Rifles; 6, 14, 15, 16, 20, 22, & 23 Inf.
June 6 Stoney Creek, UC 2 Lt Drag; 3 coys 2 Art; detach Lt Art; 1 Rifles; 5,
16, 23, & 25 Inf.
Oct. 12 Massequoi Village, LC Detach Art; detach 1 Rifles.
Nov. 11 Hooples Creek Detachs 1 Rifles.
Nov. 11 Cryslers Farm 1 coy 1 Rifles.
1814...
Mar. 30 La Colle Mill, LC 1 coy Lt Art; 2coys 3 Art; bn 1 Rifles; detachs 4,
5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 23, 30, 31, 33, & 34 Inf.
May 30 Sandy Creek, NY 120 men 1 Rifles.
June 24 Odelltown, LC Forsyth's coy 1 Rifles
June 28 Odelltown, LC Detach 1 Rifles; detach 12 Inf.
July 3 Ft. Erie, UC 2 squads Lt Drag; Corps of Art; bn 1 Rifles; 9, 11,
19, 21, 22, 23, & 25 Inf.
Aug. 1-31 Ft. Erie, UC Detach Lt Drag; Corps of Art; 1 & 4 Rifles; 1, 9,
11, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, & 26 Inf.
Aug. 4 Conjocta Creek (Black Rock), NY 240 men 1 Rifles. (Their Finest
Hour.)
Aug. 13-15 Ft. Erie, UC Detach Lt Drag; Corps of Art; 9 & 11 Inf; detachs
17, 19, 21, 22, & 23 Inf; 1 & 4 Rifles.
Sept. - Ft. Erie, UC (exclusive of sortie and action of Sept. 17) Detach of Lt
Drag; Corps of Art; 1, 9, 11, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, & 26 Inf; detach 17 Inf; 1 & 4 Rifles.
Sept. 6-11 Plattsburgh, NY Detachs Corps of Art & Lt Art; 4, 13, 29, 30, 31,
33, & 34 Inf; 4 coys 6 Inf; detach 1 Rifles.
Sept. 17 Ft. Erie, UC (sortie) Lt Drag; 1, 9, 11, 19, 21, 23, & 26 Inf; detach 17
Inf; 1 & 4 Rifles.
Oct. 20 Cook's Mills 1 coy 4 Rifles.
1815...
Jan. 13 Point Petre, GA Detachs 43 Inf & 1 Rifles.
Following the war, with the downsizing and consolidating of the entire Army, the Regiment of Riflemen was again taken to one regiment in strength. The Riflemen were then stationed on the Western frontier where they settled into a somewhat mundane garrison life. While performing assignments of among their expertise of patrolling and scouting the frontier, they also founded a number of western forts.
On July 30, 1817, Acting Secretary of War Richard Graham directed that an Army post was to be erected at or near the point where the Osage boundary crossed the Arkansas River2. Troops for this new post were to come from the Rifle Regiment. One company under the command of Major William Bradford started the journey to this place to build the new post in mid-September 1817. The new Army post was to become Fort Smith, in present day Arkansas, named after General Thomas A. Smith.
On July 1, 1818, Talbot Chambers, Colonel Commanding the Riflemen, was notified at Camp Salubriety that he was to assume command of the troops that were to engage in the proposed Yellowstone Expedition to traverse and establish a series of Army posts along the Missouri River. On August 30, 1818, the remainder of the regiment approximately 350 strong left Bell Fontaine and proceeded up the Missouri River where they waited for and later rendezvoused with the Sixth Infantry Regiment. The Riflemen and Sixth Infantry, under the command of Colonel Henry Atkinson, established and built Fort Atkinson in 1820.3
During the downsizing of the Army in 1821, the Riflemen fell victim to the cuts of the politicians. The two regiments, Sixth Infantry and First Riflemen, were amalgamated. Some soldiers with enough time in service were discharged while some were transferred to the First Infantry and Fifth Infantry. The company stationed at Fort Smith were absorbed into the Seventh Infantry.
Today
We portray Company I, which in the time period of Fort Atkinson was under the command of Captain Bennett Riley whom the present day Fort Riley
in Kansas is named after. For War of 1812, our company portrays Smith's
Company, First Regt. commanded by Capt. William Smith. As you can see above, the Rifle Regiment has a rich heritage and battle record.
We are a dedicated group of individuals, and in some cases their families, who strive to
accurately recreate the First Regiment of United States Riflemen. Uniforms, weapons, accoutrements, drill, etc. are researched and reproduced with the greatest attention to detail and historical accuracy. Our diverse group has come together with a common goal to portray the Riflemen. Considered in their time to be the crack unit of the Army.
We invite you to take a step back in time and see what a soldier's life was like during the War of 1812
and early 19th century.
Enjoy the camaraderie of like minded and dedicated individuals. Be a part of an esprit de corps that few other units can claim. Dedicated men of
Honour, Integrity, and Reliability wishing to recreate the lifestyle of a frontier U.S. Army Post of the 1820's or the life of
a soldier during the War of 1812 through the 1830's, as well as their ladies and families, are welcome to make inquiry and application to join us. All recruits should be aware that this unit is run like a regular Army unit of the time period. Our guidelines, aside from common sense and the command structure judgment, are the regulations of the time period and the bylaws of the Friends of Fort Atkinson.
Even though we are a military unit, our women and children can be an important part of our program. Their roles are limited to 19th century functions such as laundresses or a position of other employment at the fort.
(Sorry, to be an officer's lady, your husband would have to be an officer in the program.) Laundresses were a vital part of every Army unit. There were 4
laundresses officially attached to each company in the regiment. They would draw liquor and partial food rations. They were responsible for washing and mending the soldiers clothing and were then paid directly by the soldiers, typically at pay call. Although some laundresses were very enterprising in making extra money on the side, these activities were not condoned by the Army and laundresses need to keep in mind that they are also under the jurisdiction of the Army and could, and were, subject to
court martial when infractions were committed. At Fort Atkinson, other roles that existed can also be explored such as domestic service
(servants, cooks, maids, nannies, etc.) or employment that the garrison provided such as milk-maid and the like. As has always been the case, women have made large contributions and every bit as much to early American development. These roles are also welcome and are highlighted at each event. In order to preserve historical accuracy, we do not allow our female members to portray typically male roles.
In addition to living history at our home site of Fort Atkinson, we attend and accept invitation to other living history events of the War of 1812 through early
1820's. We welcome the opportunity to work with other living history units and operate in your theater of operation. Our members have attended many other events and sites including: Fort Erie, Fort Shelby (Prairie du Chien), Fort Osage, Fort Madison, Mississinewa 1812,
Fort McHenry and many others. You can find some living history units that are a part of our family of units and that we often work with and others on the
links page of this web site. During the winter months the
Sixth Infantry and First Riflemen will meet to discuss proposed away events for the next season to attend with our full units. Because we have 6 events of our own, and a great sandbox to play in already, we usually select only one or two away events that we make maximum effort and attend with as many of our troops as possible. However, there are a number of us that will still attend other events,
but with smaller numbers.
While attending away events, we frequently brigade with other living history units and have become part of a loose conglomeration of a family of units. By working with other units, a benefit of learning from each other is realized. Not to mention the friendships we have developed over the years, camaraderie, and esprit de corps. Some of these units are:
First Infantry / Missouri Rangers, Seventh U.S. Infantry Living History Association, 25th Infantry,
Gower's Company 1st Riflemen, Captain Lucas's Company of Volunteers, and others.
For a list of other events and events that we may be
attending in addition, click here.
If you have an event that you would like to invite us , we would appreciate the invitation. There could still possibly be a
few of us that may attend. If it's an annual event, it can also be put on
the agenda for next year. So please don't consider us out just because the
above events are our maximum effort this year, we may still attend this year or
next. The sooner we know about events, the more likely we will be able to attend.
If you have any questions, would like to inquire about joining us, or are having a living history event, please feel free to contact
us using the contact link below.
Thank you for visiting our web site and we hope you have found it informative and enjoyable.
Command Structure
Captain Bennett Riley's Company I, First Regiment United States Riflemen
Fort Atkinson
(Captain William Smith - War of 1812)
Capt. E.G. Smith, Commanding
Sgt. Major J. Oien
Sgt. W.R. Baker
Riflemen - First In, Last Out
Celeritas et Audeo
(Speed and Daring)
1 Chartrand, Rene. Uniforms and
Equipment of the United States Forces In The War of 1812. Youngstown,
NY. Old Fort Niagara Association, Inc. 1992. Fredriksen, Ph.D., John
C. Green Coats and Glory: The United States Regiment of Riflemen 1808-1821. Youngstown,
NY. Old Fort Niagara Association, Inc. 2000.
2 Graham to Jackson, July 30, 1817. Jackson Papers,
Library of Congress.
3 Johnson, Sally Ann. Military Life At Fort Atkinson.
Lincoln, Nebraska. 1957.
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Updated: August 31, 2007
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