Who was Turner anyway?

Who was Turner anyway?

Click on this image to find out who Turner was.

Field Musicians Wanted!

A Turner Bugler, 2004

Click on this image to learn about opportunities as a bugler, fifer or drummer with the Turner Brigade.

ORGANIZATION

Turner Brigade Organization

Companies of the Turner Brigade assemble at the start of the Brigade Spring Drill at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site in Pilot Knob, MO, April 22, 2023.

The Turner Brigade is the largest Union reenacting group in eastern Missouri, with over 80 adult members. Our size allows us to maintain our organization at large reenactments and support specialty impressions relating to staff work. As a collection of smaller units that serve together as well as separately, we still offer the close camaraderie characteristic of smaller groups. Because we have units in several branches, we offer the opportunity for cross-training and service. If artillery units are not planning to go to an event the infantry company is attending, artillerymen can fall in with the infantry and still be among friends. Conversely, infantrymen are welcome to fall in on the guns when the artillery is the main unit present. Engineers cross-train in both infantry and artillery, plus learn and practice period engineering disciplines.

Companies of the Turner Brigade assemble at the start of the Brigade Spring drill at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site in Pilot Knob, MO, March 19, 2022.

Turners at 2019 Spring Drill

Members of the Turner Brigade form at the Brigade Spring Drill at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, on April 27, 2019.

The Turner Brigade’s roots as a reenacting unit are in the artillery, beginning with Company M, 1st Missouri Light Artillery. Company M mans a battery of a 4-pounder Filley gun, a Woodruff gun, and two 12-pounder mountain howitzers. Companies K & H, Consolidated, 1st Missouri Light Artillery field a full-scale 10-pounder Parrott rifle and serve as the Brigade Provost Guard. As in all Turner units, our artillery units emphasize safety. Many members of both companies have attended the artillery safety schools offered by the National Civil War Artillery Association.

Spring Drill Pilot Knob 2018

Members of the Turner Brigade form at Spring Drill at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, in April 2018.

Many new recruits to the Brigade begin in the artillery, since it requires the least investment in gear. Only minimal uniform requirements are needed to serve as an artilleryman. There is no need to invest in replica period sidearms or longarms and their accoutrements, providing considerable savings in getting started.

Members of the Turner Brigade form at Spring Drill at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, in March 2017.

Turners at Spring Drill 2016

Members of the Turner Brigade form at Spring Drill at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, in April 2016.

For those more inclined to foot soldiering, Company G, 17th Missouri Infantry represents a typical Western unit. Members are armed variously with Model 1853 Enfield rifled muskets, Model 1861 Springfield rifled muskets, or Model 1842 Springfield smoothbore muskets. Company G often practices as a skirmish company, which was the role of its namesake company, while also training in the evolutions of a line company.

Turners Spring Drill 2015

Members of the Turner Brigade form at Spring Drill at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, in April 2015.

For reenactors with a scientific or constructive bent, Company E, 1st Missouri Engineers, offers training and practice in the work of the military engineer, including field cartography and planning and construction of field fortifications.

Members of the Turner Brigade form at Spring Drill at the Fort Davidson State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, in March 2013.

Members of the Turner Brigade form at Spring Drill at the Fort Davidson State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, in March 2014.

Members of the Turner Brigade form at Spring Drill at the Fort Davidson State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, in March 2013.

Members of the Turner Brigade form at Spring Drill at the Fort Davidson State Historic Site In Pilot Knob, MO, in March 2013.

For hard-riding horsemen, Company C, 5th Missouri Cavalry, portrays mounted cavalrymen.

Turner Brigade 2010

The Turner Brigade in April 2010

Turners at Spring Drill, Pilot Knob, MO, 2012

Members of the Turner Brigade form on the colors at Spring Drill at the Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob, MO, March 2012

As a family-oriented unit, we have a large contingent of civilians who participate with the Brigade, both male and female. From our field agent representing the Western Sanitary Commission to our active group of Turner Ladies, who support their men with reminders of home and hearth, the civilian impression is well-represented.

Turner Brigade 2004

The Turner Brigade in March 2004

The military and civilian units of the Turner Brigade are joined together in the Association of the Turner Brigade. Its purpose is to provide a venue for members to offer a true and informed portrayal of soldiers and civilians of the Civil War period, to enhance the reenacting experience of members by coordinating activities of affiliated units, and to present to the public the unique educational experience of the Civil War period that only living historians can create.

Turner Brigade 2000

The Turner Brigade in October 2000

See our Enlistment page for more information and contacts for the association and for each of our units.

Turner Brigade 1997

The Turner Brigade in September 1997