Company I, 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment, 1861-1865.

In Hampshire County, before the commencement of the war, there were two organized and uniformed companies of infantry; one known as the Frontier Riflemen (later Co. I of 13th Virginia), of which Robert White, afterward colonel of the Twenty-third Virginia Cavalry, was captain, Elias L. Irvin first lieutenant, Job N. Cookus second lieutenant, and Daniel T. Kellar third lieutenant; and the other the Hampshire Guards, John B. Sherrard captain, D. W. Entler first lieutenant, and Felix D. Heiskell second lieutenant. The first-named company had about 96 men, and the last about 80. In May, 1861, both of these companies were ordered by the Governor of Virginia to report to Col. T. J. Jackson, then commanding at Harper's Ferry.

Soon afterward the Thirteenth Virginia Regiment of Infantry was organized, with A. P. Hill as colonel, and these companies were mustered into that regiment as Companies I and K. In the spring of 1862 the army was reorganized. Captain White was assigned to ordnance duty. He was afterward authorized, at his own request, to raise a battalion of cavalry, which he did and became major of the Forty-first battalion, Virginia cavalry, which was afterward merged in the Twenty-third regiment, of which he was colonel. Captain Sherrard, of the Guards, served during the war and was promoted to the rank of major.

Another company, known as the Potomac Guards, was raised in that county, and, under the command of Capt. Philip L. Grace, became Company A of the Thirty-first Virginia, and later brigaded with 13th Virginia. Captain Grace was promoted to the rank of major, and afterward resigned.

                     Companies I and K had the strange experience in 1863 to see their native Hampshire County becoming a part of West Virginia. Although a shock it did not affect their status in the Regiment  nor their resolve to continue the fight.

Company I, 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment, today.

Today, the 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment fights on, paying honor and respect to those who fought under her gallantly waving colors. From living history, to battle re-enactments the 13th Virginia takes the field today to help preserve the memory of what happened not so long ago, and to help educate those who come to witness what we do. The re-activated 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment is popular among re-enactors and several companies of this MIGHTY Regiment "re-activated", totaling approximately 100 officers and men.

Company I, 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment is a family oriented unit, mainly based in South -Central Pennsylvania with some exceptions, i.e. members from Virginia and the odd "Danes". The Company has 45 members; men, women and children.

We participate in small events (living history) as well as in larger events (reenactments). Our main goals are to portraying the common soldier and civilian, having fun, and enjoying each others company in battle and around the campfire.

The company welcomes families and its many lady members and children - enjoy a very friendly and rewarding camp life. The Company itself, in fact, we will describe as a huge extended family. We believe that our wonderful hobby - just like the fascinating period of history which it recreates - belongs to everybody, whether you live in USA, Denmark or elsewhere.

We are also a member of the 3rd Regiment ANV, an umbrella organization put together in order to provide leadership and permanent structure for field units. The 3rd Regiment participated in the large 135th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg, where it proudly marched 300 members into a Pickett's Charge recreation portraying 19th Virginia - and making it close in size to the actual unit that made that fateful assault.