CSA’s 6th Kentucky gaining favor as outstanding re-enactment group

Shannon Jeffferies is one of those re-enactors who’s genetically linked to the Civil War. And, it’s a heritage reflected by both the South and the North.

However, Jefferies noticed that in mid-Kentucky there was a need for a Confederate infantry group that would reflect excellent standards and would allow extensive family participation.

That’s how the CSA’s 6th Kentucky Infantry, Company C, unit was re-energized three years ago and has become one of the Commonwealth’s fastest growing re-enactment organizations.

“I had three great-great-great grandfathers who were in the Confederate cavalry and two great-great grandfathers who were Union infantry,” Jefferies said. “When we’re not portraying the 6th Kentucky CSA, we galvanize into the Union 13th Kentucky, which was one of the units my grandfather was in.”

There are 30 members of the Glasgow-based unit, which originally numbered 94 men during the Civil War and played a major role with the “Orphan Brigade.”

Current members are from “all over Kentucky” in addition to Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio, Jefferies, who’s the unit captain, said. And, he added, “we’re open to members from anywhere.”

“You don’t have to live in this area to join us or to have had an ancestor in the 6th Kentucky,” he said. “Even if your ancestor was in a different unit, you can still honor them by being a 6th Kentucky member.”

“I want to see the unit continue to grow,” he continued.  “Although we have good drills and impressions, I’d still like to see those areas get even better.”

Comments about the group’s appearance and portrayals have been excellent. They’ve been cited for their drilling expertise in addition to battle performances and camp authenticity.

The 6th has appeared at Kentucky re-enactments at Sacramento, Munfordville, Richmond and Camp Wildcat and at Vernon and Madison in Indiana and at Manassas in Virginia. The unit participates in at least seven re-enactments per year, seeking at least one event per month from April through October.

Jefferies, a Bowling Green Technical College graduate, is involved in heating and air conditioning activities when not following his Civil War hobby. He has been actively involved in re-enacting for eight years and frequently appears as a guest speaker at Kentucky schools.

He can be contacted at jefferies1861@yahoo.com.