Civil War Regiment Conducts “School of the Soldier” Program at Old Bethpage Village on April 5 - 6

Members of the 14th Brooklyn Regiment, with their distinct French Chasseur uniforms, are featured in the "School of the Soldier" program.

Company “E” of the 14th Brooklyn Regiment will return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration on April 5 - 6 for its annual Civil War-era “School of the Soldier” program, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.

The program takes place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days and is co-hosted by the 14th Brooklyn Regiment, N.Y.S.M., Co. “E,” Living History Association. In the event of rain, the program will be held April 12-13.

The “soldiers” of the 14th Brooklyn, dressed in the uniforms of the time, will demonstrate the basic formations (marching, facings and manual of arms) that were significant aspects of the company’s training in 1861. In addition, officers will lead the men in company drills and conclude with a skirmish drill on Sunday.

The 14th New York State Militia established a notable record for valor during the Civil War but is also remembered for its unique variation of the French Chasseurs uniform. This distinctive uniform was used throughout the regiment’s three-year enlistment in the Civil War (May 1861 - May 1864).

The “Brooklyn Chasseurs,” as they were also known, served in such major campaigns as the First and Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, , Gettysburg, and the Wilderness campaign. After the First Bull Run, where the regiment suffered 142 casualties, Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson the 14th was renamed the “Red Legged Devils.”

During the Battle of Gettysburg, the regiment played a vital role in delaying the rebel advance on the first day. Their actions allowed the Army of the Potomac to concentrate on the position around Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill. After completing their three-year enlistment, the troops were mustered out of service and arrived home in Brooklyn to the cheers of crowds at Fulton Ferry, on May 25, 1864. The 14th is the only regiment to have three monuments erected and dedicated in their honor at the National Battle Field Park at Gettysburg.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration provides visitors with a wonderful and unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a recreated mid-19th-century American village set on more than 200 acres. It is located on Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage (exit 48 on the LIE); for more information, call 516-572-8400.

Hours are as follows: Wed. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance fees are $7 (children 4 - 14, seniors and volunteer firefighters) and $10 (adults); children under four years of age are admitted free.