4th Maine Regiment Infantry Volunteers

[img_assist|nid=385|title=Fourth Maine Flag|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=350|height=234]Fourth Regiment Maine Infantry Volunteers

The Fourth Regiment Maine Infantry Volunteers is a recreation of the original unit that answered the call to arms in June 1861. The unit was primarily from Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties. It was sworn into federal service June 15, 1861 at Camp Knox, in Rockland, Maine.

Throughout the war the unit always dedicated it's encampment's name as Camp Knox. The first commander of the Fourth was Colonel Hiram G. Berry, who rose to the rank of Maj. General before being killed at Chancellorsville. The Fourth had a very bright and proud history. They were the last regiment to leave the field of battle at the 1st Battle of Bull Run, and under command of their own officers. Their flag was the first planted on the enemy works at the battle of Williamsburg. They fought at the famed Devil's Den in the battle of Gettysburg.

The Fourth Maine, today portrays the Regimental Quartermaster and is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the men and women of Maine. Each member owns his or her own equipment and clothing and has researched the regiment and other facts about Maine during the Civil War. Each member bares all expense incurred to present this camp. All you see here are actual artifacts or exact reproductions of actual items. We strive to be as authentic as possible and as informative we can so our heritage is not forgotten. The Civil War still affects us all, these are a few examples:
Income-Tax Credited to Pay for the Civil War Monetary System - Then each bank and state had it's own currency.

One People - Then you were either from a state of the North or South, the war made us ALL AMERICANS.

Women In The War

In June 1861 Mrs. R.S. Mayhew, Miss Orissa A. Packard, and Miss Jennie Grafton tendered their services to the state and became nurses for the Fourth Regiment Maine Infantry Volunteers.

Women participated extensively in the war. The Fourth Maine had in the field with them throughout Virginia, a Matron of the Regiment, Daughters of the Regiment, Nurses, Women who ran the Field Post Office, and The Quartermaster had a Seamstress to assist with clothing repairs. These Women were volunteers and worked for 40 cents a day and 1 food ration a day. The Matron and Daughter were usually wives of high ranking officers on a winter visit to the field.

There are approximately 400 known cases of women during the Civil War that posed as men to join the fight. They fought on both sides, such as "SAM BLALOCK". Sam enlisted in the 26th North Carolina (Confederate) and later showed up in the 1st North Carolina til wounded. It was later discovered that Sam was "BELINDA BLALOCK", her disguise was undetected for two years.

Present Day

The Fourth Regiment Maine Infantry Volunteers, first, incorporated in July 1991 as a non-profit educational unit. The Group disbanded due to other requirements and commitments of the members. The present members revived the unit in May 2003 and are carrying on the tradition of being available to schools and other organizations for parades, living history events, and reenactments. Our specialty is Maine in the Civil War. We are located in the Maine MidCoast Region which encompasses the counties and area that the original Fourth Maine men were from. This is not to defer that we do not go outside these boundaries nor that we do not participate (fill out) other units ranks where we increase numbers at special events or invitations.

We do participate with the other Maine Units and switch to Grey when the occasion arises! However this is not a requirement in the 4th Maine to do
so, if one does not wish!

To children we teach their proud heritage that has been passed over by history. We also display many artifacts and exact reproductions of the era
personally owned by the members themselves, and are not limited to just soldier life but also include women, as they are very much a part of the original unit. Also many artifacts of the Fourth Maine are on display at the Rockland Historical Society, located in the basement of the Rockland Public Library, along with some captured Confederate artifacts brought home by the men.

You may contact the Fourth Regiment Maine Infantry Volunteers by sending email to Don Campbell at:
rdcamp@panax.com

Additional historical information on the Fourth Maine can be found at:
http://mainemilitia.com/node/188


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