The Massachusetts Andrew Sharpshooters: A Civil War History and Roster

Soon after the American Civil War ended, written histories appeared recounting the wartime exploits of almost every military unit on both sides of the fighting. The Andrew Sharpshooters of Massachusetts, however, were an exception. Named for Governor John Albion Andrew--who prevented the sharpshooters from joining the nationalized Berdan's sharpshooters so that their families could continue to receive state aid--the Andrew Sharpshooters often transferred from unit to unit as the need for their unique, long-range shooting skills changed. As a result, other regimental accounts mention them, but their own history has never been recorded. This first chronicle of the Massachusetts Andrew Sharpshooters details their day-to-day activities and their courageous service at Seven Pines, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and numerous other Civil War battles. Thorough historical and genealogical information on every man who served in the unit completes this study of these significant but overlooked foot soldiers.