79th New York Vol Inf "Highlanders" Living History Association
"Honor the Past, Live the History."
Join the 79th Highlanders
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79th New York Volunteer Infantry Living History Association
Bringing the American Civil War to Life
Based in Kiowa, Colorado, the 79th New York Volunteer Infantry Living History Association is a family-friendly organization dedicated to educating the public about life during the American Civil War. Through immersive living history camps, an infantry regiment, and an authentic pipe and drum band, we honor the legacy of the original 79th New York Highlanders.
Whether you're interested in camp life, historical reenactment as an infantry soldier, or performing with our pipes and drum band, we welcome new members of all ages and backgrounds. Join us and step back in time to experience history firsthand!
For more information on how to get involved, reach out to us today!
Meet our Staff
Pipe Major James DeGeorge III
Pipe Major James DeGeorge III
Pipe Major James DeGeorge III
A Pipe Major is the leader of a pipe band, responsible for overseeing musical direction, training, and performance standards. They select tunes, ensure proper tuning and coordination of pipers, and represent the band in official functions, parades, and ceremonies.
Pipe Sergeant John Kummer
Pipe Major James DeGeorge III
Pipe Major James DeGeorge III
A pipe sergeant is the second-in-command of a bagpipe section within a military or civilian pipe band, responsible for assisting the pipe major in musical instruction, discipline, and leadership. They ensure proper tuning, technique, and coordination among pipers while also stepping in to lead performances or rehearsals when needed.
Pipe Corporal
Pipe Major James DeGeorge III
Pipe Corporal
A Pipe Corporal assists the Pipe Major and Pipe Sergeant in training and maintaining the discipline of the pipers, ensuring proper technique and tuning. They may lead smaller sections during performances or rehearsals and support the overall musical and organizational duties of the pipe band.
Drum Major
Drum Sergeant
Pipe Corporal
A Drum Major leads the Pipes and Drums band in parades and ceremonies, using a mace to signal commands for marching and maneuvering. They are responsible for maintaining discipline, ensuring proper dress and deportment, and coordinating the visual and rhythmic elements of performances.
Drum Sergeant
Drum Sergeant
Drum Sergeant
The Drum Sergeant in a pipes and drum band is responsible for leading and coordinating the drum corps, ensuring precision in rhythm, technique, and performance. They oversee rehearsals, maintain discipline, and work closely with the Pipe Major to synchronize drumming with the band's overall musical presentation.
Drum Corporal
Drum Sergeant
Drum Sergeant
The Drum Corporal assists the Drum Sergeant in leading the drum corps, helping to maintain rhythm, technique, and discipline within the section. They support training, oversee rehearsals, and step in as a secondary leader to ensure smooth coordination during performances and events.
Visit 79th New York Highlanders Living History Association
The Scottish American service during the War
The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry, known as the "Highlanders," was a regiment of Scottish immigrants and Scottish-Americans that served with distinction during the American Civil War. Mustered into service in May 1861, the regiment was initially assigned to the defense of Washington, D.C., before being sent into action at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861. Although they fought bravely, the Union Army suffered a crushing defeat. The regiment later participated in the capture of Fort Pulaski, Georgia, and saw heavy combat during the Maryland Campaign, particularly at the Battle of Antietam, where they played a crucial role in the Union assault on Confederate positions. The Highlanders continued their service in the Army of the Potomac and later in the Army of the Tennessee, enduring some of the most grueling campaigns of the war.
Throughout the war, the 79th NYVI gained a reputation for discipline and resilience, despite suffering significant casualties in major battles such as Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, and Knoxville. Their distinct Scottish kilts and bagpipes, worn early in the war, made them one of the most recognizable units in the Union Army. By 1864, the regiment had been reduced in numbers due to combat losses and disease, and many of its remaining men were reassigned to other units. Nevertheless, their contributions to key Union victories and their steadfast service until their eventual mustering out in 1865 cemented their legacy as one of the most storied ethnic regiments of the Civil War.
Who are we
Honoring those who answered the Nation's call
The 79th NYVI Highlanders Living History Association (of Colorado) is a family friendly living history organization that portrays life during the American Civil War. The areas of focus for the 79th includes a teaching Pipes and Drum Band, the Infantry unit, Camp Life, and Highland dancing and culture.
Our Inspiration: A "Kilted" Regiment in the Civil War
Kilted Warriors: 79th NY Vol Infantry
The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry "Highlanders", a regiment formed in 1859 in New York City, just before the beginning of the American Civil War (1861-1865). It was brought about under the auspices of the Caledonian Society of New York, and with the encouragement of the British Consul of New York, Captain David Cameron. Capt. Cameron had been an officer in the 79th Cameron Highlanders of the British Army; so, when the number "79" was available for a New York regiment, he recommended that they pattern a regiment after the Cameron Highlanders. Before the war, the regiment had four "kilted" companies, amounting to around 260 men, all told. With the firing on Fort Sumter on April 12th, 1861, and the immediate threat to the nation's capital, the Regiment "volunteered to a man" to answer President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men to restore order and the rule of law. First, however, they needed to meet war department "manning standards" and had to recruit up to wartime levels. That meant that four companies would not be enough: they had to have ten companies. What had been a regiment of mostly Scottish immigrants, now had a large Irish contingent, and anyone else who wanted to join. While the first four companies were kilted, it was decided to have the next four companies in tartan trews (pants made of kilt material), since the available tartan "yardage" would make a lot more pants than kilts. The remaining two companies wore the light blue pants common to Union Army regiments, although the coat was similar to the other companies. A dress parade was held to mark their departure from New York (Pictured above). The original members wore the highland dress uniform. New recruits wore the highland fatigue uniform: kepis, NY jackets, and Cameron of Erracht trews. Music was provided by the pipers of the NY Caledonian Society.
Learn More
The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry *NYVI" Answered the nations call during the Civil War and served in 14 Major Campaigns from the first Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) to Appomattox Court House. Click on the link below to learn more