2nd
Maryland Artillery, CSA (Baltimore Light)
representing an actual historical Civil War Unit.
(Roster
of Officers "2008" & Roster of Officers "1861-1865")
The
objectives of our organization are: To Commemorate & preserve for
generations to come, the heroism of men from both the North & South who paid
a dear price for Freedom. To encourage the preservation and display of
Civil War material, including live firing of weapons in the original manner.
To uphold our Constitutional Right to Bear Arms, as a reminder of our National
Heritage. We show gratitude by our friendly competition that we have
learned from the bitter conflict of the American Civil War, which sets theme for
our sport. “For we drank from the same canteen.”
Currently
our Unit, consisting of 24 men & women, are Members of the North-South
Skirmish Association. 2nd Maryland Artillery, CSA is one of 26 Units of
the Potomac Region, which is one of the oldest and largest Regions in the
North-South Skirmish Association. Our Unit has been Proudly serving in the N-SSA
since 1959!
Our
Unit competes in team events using the following military arms: Rifled
Musket, Smoothbore, Carbine, Breechloader, Pistol, Mortar, & Cannon while
wearing Civil War period Uniforms. Members also Participate in Individual
Competitions with their Musket, Carbine, Pistol & Breechloader. Lets
not forget about the Civil War Period Dress Competition.
At
least ten Qualifications a year gives our Unit the ability to be competitive,
and currently ranking 8th in the Musket Team Match, 7th in the Carbine Team Match, 12th in the Revolver Team Match, 1st in the Breech-Loader Team Match, 8th in the Smoothbore Match at the 116th National Skirmish held October 3-7, 2007 of the N-SSA.
Several
Members have been skirmishing for over 25 years. One who plays an
important role is Carl Soine', the N-SSA Chaplain. He has many stories,
some will make you fall off your chair (or log) with laughter and some will make
you shed a tear. Our senior skirmishers add to the knowledge database to
better the ability of younger skirmishers accuracy while competing. (Also
passing down their campfire stories & Unit History!) There are many
Father-Son, Father-Daughter, and Husband-Wife Skirmishers in our Unit.
Fort
Shenandoah, Winchester Virginia is our Home away from Home! We enjoy the
friendly competition amongst our fellow skirmishers. The campfire is our
blanket at night when the stories are shared, and songs are sung. Sunday
morning, On-The-Line, morning fog rising from both the range and our eyes, we
begin our peaceful battle for the gold. And at the end of the Musket
competition, we pack up and head out. Some go home with metals and some
without. But, all of us leave with the memory of another Skirmish at Fort
Shenandoah with friends, family, and fellow skirmishers.