ALTON JAEGER GUARDS
Welcome to the website of the re-created Alton Jaeger Guards. We are a group of dedicated living historians who's mission is to bring to life, the memory of those who fought to preserve the Union during the American Civil War. We are based in Alton, Illinois.
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We chose our name from a German/Swiss Militia Company which was raised in Alton as early as 1853. By 1858, the Alton Jaeger Guards Company were a well drilled military unit. These German immigrants in Alton showed true patriotism by being among the first volunteers to answer Lincoln's call to arms in 1861. They served with distinction through the war, and only a small portion of them returned home.
The Jaeger Guards were a staple in Alton for over a quarter of a century, over 150 years ago. Our hope is the recreated Alton Jaeger Guards can keep that flame alive. |
We are progressive re-enactors, and campaigners, attending the highest quality events possible, with the highest standards for authenticity and experience.
We change our appearance, and the unit we portray based on the events, and the actions we are recreating. The Civil War was made up of thousands of units, comprised of millions of individual soldiers. By portraying various men at different points in the war it allows us to garner a better understanding and respect for the horrors the men of the Civil War experienced.
In addition to attending re-enactments, the Alton Jaeger Guards participate in local parades and ceremonies in the Alton area, much like the original Jaeger Guard.
Our long term goal is to bring the knowledge of Alton's storied past to the forefront, and remind our local communities of the history that lies beneath their feet. We hope to educate the public through various programs and interpretations as well as continued research into the area's past, in addition to the stories of countless other men we represent through the years.
Please take a look at our various pages, which feature upcoming events, photo galleries from projects, impression photos and uniform descriptions, recruitment, research articles pertaining to the Civil War, and particularly Alton's involvement. If there's anything you'd like to see, please let us know!
Thank you for visiting the Alton Jaeger Guards!
We change our appearance, and the unit we portray based on the events, and the actions we are recreating. The Civil War was made up of thousands of units, comprised of millions of individual soldiers. By portraying various men at different points in the war it allows us to garner a better understanding and respect for the horrors the men of the Civil War experienced.
In addition to attending re-enactments, the Alton Jaeger Guards participate in local parades and ceremonies in the Alton area, much like the original Jaeger Guard.
Our long term goal is to bring the knowledge of Alton's storied past to the forefront, and remind our local communities of the history that lies beneath their feet. We hope to educate the public through various programs and interpretations as well as continued research into the area's past, in addition to the stories of countless other men we represent through the years.
Please take a look at our various pages, which feature upcoming events, photo galleries from projects, impression photos and uniform descriptions, recruitment, research articles pertaining to the Civil War, and particularly Alton's involvement. If there's anything you'd like to see, please let us know!
Thank you for visiting the Alton Jaeger Guards!
