Hancock Rebels

In late summer and early fall of 1861 a group of young men from Hancock County joined forces in Shieldsboro, Mississippi to fight for their state and the Confederate cause.  This group became known as the "Gainesville  Volunteers" of the 3rd Regiment Mississippi Infantry.  As this unit was marching off to war to defend Vicksburg, another unit of older men were organizing in Hobolochitto, Mississippi. On March 25, 1 862, the unit known as the "Hancock Rebels" of the 38th Regiment Mississippi Infantry was organized and sent to Jackson, Mississippi for training.  They were soon at Corinth, Iuka, and the second battle of Corinth before arriving in Vicksburg.  This coming Sunday marks the 150th anniversity of their enlistment.  By the way, Hobolochitto is now known as Picayune, home of the 2011 5A State Football Champs.  Some of the players on this football team may count some of the Hancock Rebels as family.