The Alabama State Militia Artillery Battery was started by Jimmy White and Richard Powell in 1982 with a cannon borrowed from an American Legion Post. Later more cannons were purchased and the unit became an "official" battery with the first big event at Ft. Morgan.The battery is a registered Not-for-Profit Corporation organized to educate the general public about the role of the artillery during the Civil War, 1861 - 1865. This is accomplished through battle reenactments, military drill and demonstrations, living history encampments, live-fire shooting events, and memorial ceremonies. The Battery uses four full scale 6 pound Mountain Howitzer cannons and occasionally has the use of a couple more. ASMA Battery members are located across Alabama, concentrated within the area surrounding Birmingham, but many members also live outside that area.

The ASMA Battery will usually participate in two large reenactments within the State, two or three living history/demonstration events, one or two memorial ceremonies, and one or two small reenactments over a year's time. At least one large out of state event is attempted as well. The Battery is unusual in that it also participates in a short range live fire competition, held at Brierfield State Park. All members are encouraged to participate in any of these events, but there is no minimum number of events that a member must attend. The Battery is a family oriented group and welcomes the participation of civilians and children. Members enjoy recreating both battle scenes and camp life, and many evenings are spent gathered around the campfire enjoying popcorn.

The ASMA Battery is also a member unit of the Alabama Division of Reenactors, Inc. active in the commemoration and preservation of history. Some of its members are also members of the Fightin Joe Wheeler SCV Camp 1372 in Birmingham. Although the Battery is firmly Confederate, the membership is committed to historically appropriate reenactments and on occasions our guns may participate in reenactments as the 4th Indiana Volunteer Light Artillery Battery.

The ASMA Battery holds one annual meeting in December of each year, where business concerning the Battery is discussed, and elections for the corporate directors and military officers/NCO's are held. There are discussions of upcoming events for the year and a tentative schedule is set. If you are interested in joining the Battery or have any questions, please visit our Membership page on this site.