History of the 6th North Carolina State Troops   Introduction to Co. I, The Cedar Fork Rifles

Company I, The Cedar Fork Rifles

Company I, Sixth Regiment North Carolina State Troops, was originally organized in January of 1861 from volunteers in  western Wake and Chatham County, particularly in the district of Cedar Fork. Founded by Richard Watts York, the principal of Cedar Fork Academy, the Cedar Fork Rifles (also known as the North Carolina Grays) were mustered into Confederate service on May 28, 1861. They were moved to the Regiment's camp of instruction at Company Shops, near present-day Burlington, on June 1, 1861. During this period, the green troops were drilled and issued uniforms. Some companies were issued smoothbore percussion muskets; others received rifled muskets or no firearms at all. Unaccustomed to camp life, many of the new soldiers contracted various illnesses such as measles and dysentery while at camp. The majority who survived their initial exposure to camp life became toughened, experienced soldiers.
 
 The Reactivated Cedar Fork Rifles

 A reactivated unit was formed in January of 1990 by a group of reenactors seeking a more authentic impression of their hobby. The 6th North Carolina was chosen because of its glorious past and geographical proximity to the members of the original reactivated unit. Its purpose was to provide the public with an accurate presentation of the Civil War soldier and the membership with an enjoyable means to learn more about the period.

Unit organizational structure stems from the Board of Directors who are elected by the membership. The Board, in turn, appoints the field commander and noncommissioned officers. Membership in the unit is divided into several classes further defined by By-Laws. Dues are paid at the beginning of each calendar year. Dues may be prorated as directed in the By-Laws.

 A newsletter, The Cedar Fork Sentinel, is published each month by members of the newsletter committee. Membership dues provide for the unit members subscription. In the newsletter are event schedules, unit information, reports from past events and other information of interest.