We
are an extended family of skirmishers, with members residing throughout
Tidewater, Central, Northwest and Southside Virginia . We all have one common
interest, marksmanship with the weapons that were used with such telling effect
during the War of Southern Independence .
We are members of the North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA). The N-SSA was
founded in 1950 to commemorate the heroism of the men of both sides, who fought
in the American Civil War, 1861-1865. The N-SSA promotes the firing of Civil War
weapons including artillery and encourages the preservation and display of Civil
War memorabilia. The N-SSA works to accomplish these goals by conducting
skirmishes; which is the competitive live firing of period weapons.
Our unit impression is that of the average Confederate Field Artilleryman during
the 1863 - 65-time period. We participate in various ceremonial events, parades,
and living histories pertaining to the War Between the States. We are not a
reenactment unit, rather, we participate in live fire marksmanship competition
using N-SSA approved reproduction or original period Civil War weapons, in
marksmanship competition against other N-SSA teams. We wear period uniforms and
equipment, which depicts the average Confederate Field Artilleryman of Graham’s
Battery, 1st Rockbridge Artillery during competition to help preserve the memory
of the soldiers who fought so heroically in the War of Southern Independence.
As a competitive unit we participate in the biannual National N-SSA Skirmishes
held each year in May and October, at our National Range (Ft. Shenandoah)
located north of Winchester, Virginia. We also participate in various Regional
skirmishes held at other locations across the state. The range of competitive
events available to teams includes; pistols, carbines, rifled-muskets,
breechloaders, smoothbore muskets, artillery and mortars.
Graham's Battery currently participates in the carbine, rifled-musket, mortar,
and artillery competition. Our artillery piece is a full-scale 10 lb, rifled 3
inch Parrott.
In all cases we fire real projectiles against a variety of targets at various
distances. Competitive events include both team and individual competition. In
addition there are Civil War costume events where entrants are screened for the
highest levels of authenticity in their period attire.
If you would like to join graham’s Battery and are interested in the history
etc. of the War Between the States, then we’re looking for you. Contact us at (grambtry@email.com).
Click below to watch a video about the N-SSA:
