President Lincolns Elite Riflemen The Berdan Sharpshooters Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen

By: Mike Hoover Vice President, Secretary. Inland Empire Civil War R

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Dean Vargus

Photo Description:

1st United States Sharpshooters, Company “F”, Union Army of the West. From left to right, rear row, Dave Dewey, Mike Schulte, Ed Allen, Gabe Jimenez, Richard Maynard Sitting, front row, left to rt: Corporal Paul Renner, 1st Sergeant Dean Vargas
On Sunday, May 17th, at 2 P.M. The Inland Empire Civil War Round Table program in the Assembly Room of the A.K. Smiley Library, 125 Vine St. Redlands.  Civil War historian and reenactor, Dean Vargus, will give a free presentation on the Berdan Sharpshooters, Lincoln’s Elite Riflemen 1861-1864 The Berdan Sharpshooters were among the most famous and elite infantry units in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Founded by Hiram Berdan, a world-class marksman and inventor, they served as specialized skirmishers and snipers. Unlike standard volunteer regiments that were drawn from a single state, Berdan’s men were recruited from across the North based strictly on skill. To join, a recruit had to pass a grueling marksmanship test.