The General Lewis A. Armistead Camp 1302 in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was chartered December 13, 1969 with 10 members. The Camp was never large in membership and ceased to be active in July 1, 1987. The Camp did have its moments, though. Under Commanders Roger Alvis and John Wilcox, the Camp had a Highway Historical Marker placed at Bachelder's Creek near New Bern in 1974 and hosted the North Carolina Division Convention in 1972. The Camp also produced a Quartermaster-in-Chief, an Army of Northern Virginia Commander, and a North Carolina Division Commander. In addition, they also had a Real Son, Herbert Hux of Halifax and had two members who were presented with the SCV War Service Medal
The present Camp was re-chartered August 8, 1994 with 34 members. The Camp was North Carolina Division Camp of the Year in 1997, recording at that time the most points in the 100 year history of the Division. That honor was repeated in 1999 and 2002. The Camp has been runner-up in 1998, 2000, and 2001.
We have cleaned numerous cemeteries in Onslow County containing Confederate Veterans, and have placed more than 400 markers on their graves. In 1995 work was begun on the Onslow County Confederate Roster, which today lists over 1300 Onslow men who served the Confederate States Army , Navy, and Marines.
The Camp has had a Real Son, Walter Caden Simpson of the Back Swamp community, and presented six of its members with the SCV War Service Medal.
In May 1996 the Camp sponsored a symposium in order to raise funds for the General James Longstreet monument at Gettysburg, and raised over $4000.00 In 1997 a Confederate Memorial Service was conducted at the Montford Point/Camp Johnson cemetery and drew over 600 people.
The Sons of Dixie singing group, was formed by Camp members in 1997 and since then have appeared at several functions both in and out of state. They have produced two CD's and are working on their third.
The Camp also provides speakers for schools, church groups, and civic clubs at no charge. In addition, the Camp has recruiting and information booths at various County functions, such as the County Fair, the Shrimp Festival, and Farmer's Day. The Camp is also involved in charity work and annually donates to several organizations which pertain to North Carolina War Between The States history.
Under Commanders Bernie Rosage, Keith Alexander, Horace Bertrand, Roger Alvis, Michael Smen, and Ron Civils the Camp has achieved many milestones and honors, including being asked by the City of Jacksonville to provide the Color Guard for its 150th Birthday. The Camp has also marched in Veterans Day Parades in Jacksonville and Morehead City.
