53rd Virginia, Company H "Mattaponi Guard"


The original 53rd Virginia infantry regiment fought during the American Civil War of the 1860s. It saw action throughout the war, primarily in Virginia. The most famous battle the unit fought in was at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in July 1863. During this engagement, the 53rd Virginia, including Company H, took part in the most famous charge of the war, on July 3. During Pickett's Charge, members of the 53rd VA and other elements of Armistead's Brigade, temporarily breached the Union line on Cemetery Ridge.


Now, in the 21st Century, the 53rd Virginia, Company H, still exists. We are a reenacting group that portrays this very real unit. We are members of the 3rd Regiment, "Britton's Battalion". This is part of an organization called the 1st Division, Army of Northern Virginia. Links to both groups can be found on the News/Links page.


Besides having a love for true history, and an enjoyment of the outdoors, we do this in memory to those who fought in the 53rd Virginia, and all others who battled for what they believed during the Civil War. North and South.




This site is under construction, and probably always will be considered a work zone. I am slowly in the process of including a history of the real 53rd, along with the current unit, which has been in existence now for two decades. Also some pictures are being added, of members now and then. Thank you for visiting our site!


If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to: mattguards@gmail.com


2012 Event Schedule:

March 29 - April 1 - Battle of Shiloh, Shiloh, TN
April 22-22 - Peninsula Campaign, Endview Plantation, VA
May 18-20 - Living History at Stratford Hall Plantation, VA
June 8-10 - Port Rebublic/Cross Keys at Middletown, VA
August 3-5 - 2nd Manassas at Middletown, VA

More events to be listed soon...