Co. C. Fifth Regiment, United States Infantry represents an antebellum U.S. Infantry Regiment as it might have appeared during and immediately following the Mexican War.  While the company did form part of the garrison at Fort Phantom Hill, garrison and camp equipage are kept to a minimum, as conditions at posts on the Texas frontier were spartan at best.  The unit has several authentic U.S. Army “common” tents that are used by both in garrison and in the field.  The tents serve as a slight improvement over the delapidated jacale huts that Lt. Col. William G. Freeman encountered when he inspected Phantom Hill in 1853.

 

The Fifth also has acquired authentic camp kettles and at some events members establish a company mess and prepare meals based upon the proper military ration.  Vignettes of camp life -- the sewing, cleaning of equipment, drill, pay call, and other activities -- demonstrate how the U.S. soldier performed an important role as peacekeeper on the Texas frontier.