About us
Our Story
Battalion Apparel was born from Austen’s deep-seated love for early American history. Austen’s journey began at Fort de Chartres, located about 40 miles south of where he grew up in Southern Illinois. It was at this historic site that Austen was first exposed to the world of reenacting and fife and drum music. The rich history of Fort de Chartres, combined with the lively reenactments he witnessed there, sparked a passion that would shape the course of his life.
From that early experience, Austen’s fascination with the stories of the American Revolution, the early forts, and the military units that fought for the nation’s independence only grew. He joined a youth fife and drum corps, where he first learned the drums and later mastered the fife. This early involvement fueled a lifelong dedication to reenacting, eventually leading Austen to become the Drum Major for an adult Fife and Drum Corps in Illinois.
Through his travels across the United States, attending reenactments at historic sites, Austen’s appreciation for the forts that hosted these events deepened. He was inspired by the architecture, the stories embedded in the walls, and the legacy these sites carry. It was this inspiration that led to the creation of Battalion Apparel—a brand designed to bring history to life through comfortable, stylish clothing.
