History of 1st & 2nd U.S.S.S.
At the start of the American Civil War, Hiram Berdan, a wealthy inventor of the times, approached the United States Governement with an interesting proposition. He propsed that each State in the Union be asked to raise one or more companies of specially trained men. Each man who wished to enlist would be asked to pass a marksmanship test in order to be accepted for service. Berdan, commissioned as a Colonel, received permission from Congress to fulfill this vision. Because of his foresight, the two regiments which were raised were often referred to as Berdan's Sharpshooters.
Enlistees were to be paid higher wages, wear a distinctive uniform and serve as Scout Sharpshooters in the Union Army. Specifically, the regiments were intended to be used as skirmish troops, whose job was to act individually and in small groups to disrupt enemy formations and eliminate its officers. A total of 1,392 officers and men served in the 1st Regiment, and an additional 1,178 served in the 2nd Regiment.
A total of 1,008 U.S. Sharp-shooters were killed or wounded in action. The regiment fought in all the major actions of the Army of the Potomac from 1861-1864, usually being assigned by company to different commands as needed.
Company C of the 1st Regiment was raised in the state of Michigan (specifically around Lansing) and was comprised of marksmen from all over the Great Lakes area. The unit was mustered into United States service on August 21, 1861 at Lansing, Michigan. Company C was the first to be mustered in and as well as one of the first to see action. On August 20, 1864 Company C's three year enlistment expired and the remaining soldiers were discharged from service. Of the 101 men who originally enlisted in Company C, only six were present at the final muster.
The members of this Reenactment Group aim to honor, remember and teach about the service provided to the Union Army by those who served and offered their special talents during the American Civil War. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.