Hiram Berdan

[tmh10]

The guiding force behind the creation of the two regiments of United States Sharpshooters was New York inventor and crack rifleman Hiram Berdan. For a decade and a half before the war he had been the acknowledged top marksman in the country, and his inventions included a musket ball and a repeating rifle.

In the summer and fall of 1861 he was involved in the recruiting of 18 companies, from eight states, which were formed into two regiments. His assignments included: colonel, 1st United States Sharpshooters (November 30, 1861); commanding 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac (February 19-March 1863); commanding 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac (March 13 - June 20, 1863); and commanding 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac (July 2-7, 1863).

His men, who had to pass rigorous marksmanship tests, were dressed in distinctive green uniforms and equipped with the most advanced longrange rifles equipped with telescopic sights. Even when assigned to a brigade, the regiments were usually detached for special assignments on the field of battle. They were frequently used for skirmish duty.
Berdan fought at the Seven Days and 2nd Bull Run. In 1865 he
was awarded the brevets of brigadier and major general for Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, at each of which he led a brigade. He resigned on January 2, 1864. He was considered by many to be a crack marksman but unfit for a command. Berdan subsequently invented numerous engines of war. (Stevens, C.A., Berdan's United States Sharpshooters in the Army of the Potomac, 1861-1865)
Source: "Who Was Who In The Civil War" by Stewart Sifakis

 

[Mdiesel]

Beridans Sharp shooters made ''contact'' with Confederate Infantry at the base of Big Round Top. They couldn't stop the wave of enemy soldiers but I'm sure the running fight they engaged the rebels in bought valuable time for the Union. Those Condederates were men of the 15th Alabama led by William C. Oates. Everyone knows that Chamberlain & the 20th ME arrived in his position on LRT mere moments prior to Oates & the 15th Ala. Beridans riflemen are a big reason why!

 

[JerseyBart]

Beridans Sharp shooters made ''contact'' with Confederate Infantry at the base of Big Round Top. They couldn't stop the wave of enemy soldiers but I'm sure the running fight they engaged the rebels in bought valuable time for the Union. Those Condederates were men of the 15th Alabama led by William C. Oates. Everyone knows that Chamberlain & the 20th ME arrived in his position on LRT mere moments prior to Oates & the 15th Ala. Beridans riflemen are a big reason why!

And seeing his marker on Seminary Ridge...that far behind enemy lines...totally badass!!! He and his men insanely brave!!!

 

[Robert Gray]

Hiram Berdan and California Joe.

 

[Roland]

Thanks for posting!

 

[Dave Wilma]

Were the sharpshooters meticulous about power charges and balls or did they go with what was issued?

I once toured the marksmanship unit at the Marine base at Quantico. I watched shooters on their day off the range unloading National Match ammo and hand reloading to make certain of the ballistics.

 

[diane]

Truman Head! He was the most famous of Berdan's sharpshooters but unfortunately he didn't last long. He was over 50 when he signed up - lied that he was much younger to get in - and his age proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. His vision started to go, then he got sick, then was discharged. Think he became a customs inspector in San Francisco, not sure.