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The 48th Virginia Infantry is a proud member of the North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA), a national Civil War competitive shooting organization. As a team, the 48th VA is dedicated to marksmanship, camaraderie, and growing the sport by welcoming new shooters.
We compete using a variety of Civil War-era firearms, including smoothbore muskets, rifled muskets, carbines, revolvers, and smoothbore pistols. Our team emphasizes historical accuracy in equipment, but our main focus is on safe competition, skill development, and having fun. Whether you're an experienced shooter or just getting started, the 48th VA offers a supportive environment to enjoy the sport and be part of a close-knit shooting community.
History of the Original 48th Virginia Infantry
The 48th Virginia Infantry Regiment was organized in June 1861, drawing men primarily from the southwestern counties of Virginia; namely Washington, Smyth, Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, and Lee. These men were largely farmers, tradesmen, and laborers, many with deep ties to the rugged Appalachian region. The regiment was mustered into Confederate service under the command of Colonel John A. Campbell and became part of the Army of Northern Virginia. It first saw combat at the First Battle of Manassas and later participated in major engagements throughout the Eastern Theater of the Civil War, including the Peninsula Campaign, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg (Antietam), Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and the Siege of Petersburg. The regiment ultimately surrendered at Appomattox Court House in April 1865 with only a fraction of its original strength remaining.
The 48th Virginia was initially equipped with a variety of older smoothbore muskets and flintlock conversions, though these were gradually replaced with more modern rifled muskets such as the Enfield Pattern 1853 and Springfield Models as the war progressed and Confederate logistics improved. Uniforms early in the war often consisted of state-issued militia garments, but by 1862, most of the regiment wore the standard Confederate butternut or gray shell jackets and kepis or slouch hats, often tailored locally or modified due to supply shortages. The regiment’s rugged mountain roots, combat experience, and enduring service across four years of grueling campaigns made it a hardened and respected component of the Confederate infantry.
Pictures from left to right: 3 Members of the Army of Northern Va, an 1816 Converted Musket, Militia, Example of a winter camp "cabin"
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