47th New York Volunteer Infantry Co. K

of Central Florida

About “Today’s” 47^th New York Co. K

Our unit originated in the early “80s” as the 2^nd Florida, a dismounted Confederate Calvary unit. Since dismounted Calvary usually brought up the rear and saw little action, the members decided to dye their uniforms blue and join the Union Army. In “1984” at the” Battle of Olustee” the 47th New York Co. K was mustered in.

In the past eighteen years Co. K has gone through some changes of its own. Most of the changes were in respect to the extent in which our unit participates in the aspect of living history. (Living history is the accurate portrayal of a period in our history through dress, living conditions and mannerisms.) The way a unit chooses to camp is an important factor in that level of participation. There are three basic methods of camping in reenacting:

• Modern Camping - In the modern camp you will find modern tents, campers and motor homes. Modern camp has many of the conveniences we have all gotten so used to.

• Authentic civilian - In the authentic civilian camp you will find tents, dress, cooking and mannerisms of the period with many of the civilian conveniences of that time. Authentic civilian is a good choice for family camping.

• Authentic Military Camping -This is type of camping is best suited for those who want to immerse themselves in the life of a civil war solider. Smaller tents, salted beef, hard tact, hand sewed button holes, military deportment, cold nights in the winter (lots of wool blankets), hot nights in the summer, bugs, ready for action at all times, comradeship, the occasional drop of burnside’s blood around the evening camp fire (strictly against army regulations of course) are what authentic military camping is all about.                                                                            

While the original 47^th was a modern camping unit, today's 47^th is an authentic civilian and authentic military camping unit.

When the call goes out from our Captain to “Rally to the Cause” our members come from all over Florida in support. We arrive at the Federal camp wearing our civilian overalls and hats.

That must be how we got our nickname "The Overall Mess"

The 47th New York Volunteer Infantry, Co. K is a civil war reenactment Unit.

To visit Our Membership Page and learn how you can join Click Here!