CURWENSVILLE—More than 200 volunteers left the Curwensville area to serve as soldiers in two companies in two regiments of the famed Pennsylvania Bucktails during America’s Civil War.
The 20th annual reunion to honor their service will be held on Aug. 3-4 at Irvin Park, Curwensville. The public is invited to visit the re-enactors’ encampment from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Aug. 3.
At this time, there will be opportunities to speak with the re-enactors, to view displays of original weapons and equipment and to learn about life in the field and the importance of regimental flags. There will also be a display of the reproduction of the “O’lt Bucktail Wagon,” an 1858 U.S. Army Supply Wagon.
The public is also invited to participate in memorial and wreath laying ceremonies, beginning at 11 a.m. Aug. 4 at the graves of local veterans at Oak Hill Cemetery and then at the Bucktail Monument located at Locust and State streets in Curwensville.
This year will mark the fourth time the re-enactors have held their reunion in Curwensville. Previous reunions were in in 1993, 1999 and 2004 in the park, which is named after the Edward A. Irvin family. The family donated land to Curwensville Borough in 1924.
E. A. Irvine recruited more than 100 volunteers in April of 1861 who became members of Company K of the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Twice wounded in battle, he had to resign his commission after achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Curwensville’s second Bucktail Company was formed by E. A.’s cousin, John Irvin, who in the summer of 1862 recruited those who became Company B of the 149th Pennsylvania Volunteers. John would attain the rank of Colonel and become the regimental commander.