Arts & Entertainment

In the spring of 1861, two Confederate regiments were formed in response to strong a Union presence in the area. West Virginia was a crucial state during the War for Southern Independence due to the many rail lines and roads which passed through the state, connect east and west. These two regiments were the 25th and 31st Virginia Infantries. The 31st Virginia was placed under the command of Colonel William L. Jackson, former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

Company C was nicknamed the "Harrison State Guards". The unit was recruited from Occupied Virginia (now known as West Virginia) and was mustered into service on May 26, 1861. On October 31, 1861 muster rolls showed 6 officers and 72 men in the ranks.

The first commander of Company C was Captain U. M. Turner. Following elections in May, 1862, Lieutenant William P. Cooper was promoted to Captain. Captain Turner was replaced following an absence due to illness. Also in May, 1862, Major John S. Hoffman, who had enlisted in Co. C as a private a year earlier, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and assumed overall command of the 31st Virginia.

National Civil War Museum
As President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address encompassed the emotions of the American struggle, The National Civil War Museum portrays this struggle as a time line, from the issues straining the nation through the war's conclusion at Appomattox Court House. Nowhere can you find a better understanding of the Civil War, its effect on the nation, or on the people. Come walk our halls. See and feel the emotions rise and fall as you embrace Bull Run, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Antietam, and Gettysburg; once ordinary places transformed to hallowed ground within a few hours.

Contact Information

Website

Location Information

The National Civil War Museum One Lincoln Cir. Harrisburg PA 17103

Tickets

Directions

Parking

Map