Reenactments are family events, so feel free to bring the kids, too. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Required fields are marked *. Most people take their roles seriously and pride themselves on representing history as accurately as possible. Discover more about American history at one of these events. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. While these stories may transport you to Elizabethan England or ancient Rome, they're still fiction, after all, and don't always provide authentic history lessons. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Almost every reenactor can tell you stories about uniforms or equipment they rushed to purchase when they first started out and later regretted after they learned it was of poor quality or didnt fit the impression they ultimately pursued. The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. By now you are probably wondering, "how much is all of this going to cost me? Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. The Stonewall Brigade is an authentic living history association concentrated in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania dedicated to accurately portraying the common soldier of the Civil War. Reenactment also takes time, but this can be as little as a 2-3 hour event once or twice a year, to a half-dozen three-day weekend encampments. C.S. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. No one in the 21st century really knows what it was like in the 19th century, but one can develop an idea from reading about the time period and convert that idea into a reenacting reality. We come from in and around Shelby County. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. Cavalry reenacting is the most expensive branch to portray as the mounted soldiers have to buy period saddles, bridles, carbines, shotguns, pistols and sabers in addition to owning and transporting the horses to the events. If you asked to galvanize (switch sides) for a battle or event, dont complain. In historical reenactments, people from all walks of life gather together, dressed head-to-toe in period clothing. If you're thinking about volunteering in a historical reenactment, experienced reenactors will tell you that you shouldn't delve into this hobby without knowing what you're getting into. 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. (May 8, 2009) http://www.salary.com/personal/layoutscripts/psnl_articles.asp?tab=psn&cat=cat011&ser=ser032, Miller, John. The problem with modern day reenacting for USCTs is that they were not at many of the major battles because the original Union generals refused to put them into ranks beside white soldiers and because significant numbers werent enlisted or trained until the middle of 1863. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. And, they must already have relationships with the brigades and divisions they want to command. Between a quarter and a third of the Union army was made up of European immigrants so real or imitation Irish and eastern European accents are welcome. Arch supports were not invented in the 1860s, but feel free to put anything inside that helps you march. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. Depending upon your reenactment scenario, this may be a real individual or a fictional one who could have lived during your time period of interest. Children can usually even participate, although most reenactment groups have a minimum age (12 or 13 is common) for children to be allowed in more dangerous roles, such as on the battlefield. That is my indication and EXPRESSED consent to be treated like a slave by all participating confederate soldiers. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. If you're portraying a poor farmer during the Revolutionary War, then don't purchase a fancy rifle that would have been out of his financial grasp. Reenactment, appropriately called "living history," also means living under the same conditions encountered during the past. R. Lee Hadden. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. Prospective reenactors should research units to judge how accepting they are of family participation. Perhaps you have a deep interest in the Civil War and want to experience it and understand it in a way that books can never truly capture. The United States Colored Troops, the freemen and runaway slaves who joined the Union army in numbers around 180,000, are a small, but highly appreciated branch of reenacting. Not sure about the geography of the middle east? Reenacting remained a small hobby during the mid-1970s when events numbering several hundred reenactors were common. A local company commander will be assigned to recruit new members, train them in the basics of military drill, and guide them in the purchase of the correct gear. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit 9,438 views Premiered Mar 6, 2019 405 Dislike Share Save Studio T Reenacting 3.33K subscribers https://28thmass.org Lately I've noticed quite a. Speculation among reenactors is that smaller, focused events is where the hobby is headed. Now that the sesquicentennial is over, the future of reenacting is being debated. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. One of the last Civil War reenactments by Civil War vet erans was the Great Reunion of 1913, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. But, there are legitimate roles for reenactors in their early teens to act as runners, or fifers or drummers if they are musically inclined to join units which have field musicians. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. If they try for officer ranks like lieutenant and captain, they must take even more rigorous tests to demonstrate that they know the commands that moved men around the field. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Uniforms are all wool for Federal portrayals, and a wool and cotton blend for Confederates. As you build your knowledge, there is a wealth of information available in online archives and books drawn from soldiers letters, diaries, and post-war memoirs. Stitch counters are authenticity historians who know the history of hats, shoes, uniforms, muskets, buttons, even how a uniform was manufactured thus the nick name. For official duties, these youngstersoften between 10 and 14were called on to fill supporting roles such as drummers, buglers, messengers, and field assistants. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Welcome to the home of the 52nd Tennessee Co. C. We are a group of living historians centered around the American Civil War. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. The hobby of Civil War reenacting continues to attract participants and spectators who care about Civil War history and the 19th century people who lived it. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. Odds are that youve already read a decent amount about the war, but most Civil War books focus on the movements of vast armies and the leaders who directed them. Being a reenactor can not only put you in touch with your inner soldier, drummer, or fifer, but can also deepen your understanding of our country's past. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. For the sake of authenticity, women do not bear arms. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Find WW1 Reenactment groups to join now! Buy at a reenactment or with the help of an experience unit member. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. The fully equipped reenactor will spend around $2,500 to $3,000, but that gear, with the exception of brogans, will last as long as the reenactor will. We do this by portraying soldiers and citizens at . clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. ThoughtCo. Reenactors take their jobs very seriously. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. Any unit you contact should be extremely welcoming and do everything they can to have you join their ranks. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Powell, Kimberly. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1999. While doing their impression many will do a first-person impression. Our way to offer tribute to these great men of the Civil War is to study as much as possible . For example, most reenactors portray common soldiers, but maybe someone wants to portray a foreign-born ancestor so their impression will be augmented by speaking in an accent. If you choose an active reenactment role, you'll need to be in good health, capable of the physical activity and lack of everyday comforts that are inherent in reenacting. Of course, you might decide that Civil War reenactments aren't your cup of tea, and you'd prefer to dabble in the Colonial era. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple. Still, American Civil War reenactments can take place wherever the hobbyists can find ground. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. American Civil War reenactment is an effort to recreate the appearance of a particular battle or other event associated with the American Civil War by hobbyists known (in the United States) as Civil War reenactors, or living historians.. Many units keep a stock of uniforms and other equipment on hand in order to let people try the hobby out rather than invest in it only to discover that they do not really like playing the role of a 1860s soldier. City, county and state governments and private entrepreneurs with connections to those reenacting units saw the tourist potential of staging mock battles on private or public land. C.S. 4. Reenactors put themselves in the shoes of those from an earlier time where food was scarce, disease was rampant, and a good nights sleep might mean sleeping in the mud. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. (2020, August 26). If you have the time, it can even be fun to learn to make some of your clothing or items yourself, just as it was done in the past. Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. Check out our article How to Join a Reenactment Group. Perhaps the most famous civil war in history began on April 12, 1861, when secessionist Southerners attacked the United States Army garrison at Fort Sumter, South Carolina . Think about who you are in real life,or the person you secretly want to be, and translate that to an individual who lived during your time period of interest. Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. While there are several models such as an early war smoothbore musket, or a mid-war rifle musket, there are really only two brand choices for infantry. Military reenactors will choose infantry, artillery, cavalry or medical (and a few others such as engineers or sharpshooters) and many will choose a civilian impression. Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. https://28thmass.orgLately I've noticed quite a few of you showing more interest in Civil War reenacting specifically. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Just as in the 1860s, some reenacting gear can be shoddy (a Civil War era word), so taking knowledgeable advice from other veteran reenactors in ones unit makes sure newcomers do not buy the wrong gear. Members may portray either a military impression, or one of many civilian roles which are appropriate to the Civil War period. In exchange for staging drill and firing demonstrations for the visiting public, the reenactment units (usually those with a reputation for authenticity) are allowed to camp on the actual battlefields. American Civil War reenactment is an effort to recreate the appearance of a particular battle or other event associated with the American Civil War by hobbyists known (in the United States) as Civil War reenactors, Civil War recreationists, or living historians. In many war reenactments, there aren't roles for women on the battlefield, but some events have side attractions geared toward women, such as tea parties, craft activities and quilt shows. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Most units will have a decent collection of clothes, gear, and even muskets that you can borrow, but it is often difficult to find loaner shoes since many reenactors only own a single pair. Living like a person in 1863, even if only for a few hours or a few days, would surely sharpen your skills as a historian, actor, and citizen. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. Mega-events also created problems for reenactors such as too little and too far away parking, too little drinking water, and too few port-a-johns. Men and boys threw on gray and blue pants and work shirts, grabbed whatever arms they could find, and marched out onto whatever fields were handy to recreate battles. That is what reenacting is all about; trying to live for a weekend like a Civil War soldier or civilian to figure out how they did it. The troops do their best to mimic the movements of the actual battle, but as in real war, things often don't go according to plan . Other less expensive options are impressions of a civilian water boy, drummer boy, messenger, or just a regular kidthey were certainly, if unfortunately, caught up in the war. The state of Pennsylvania hosted thousands of former Union and Confederate soldiers during the weeklong event. They, in turn, showed the VHS tapes to younger historians, who learned that the soldiers on screen were not actors, but young men acting out their historical fantasies. Hand to hand combat is heavily scripted, never engage on your own. Also welcome are Black reenactors portraying slaves or free blacks, teamsters, horse handlers, or other roles common to the period. Since the war took place in the South, it is more difficult for Yankees in Northern states to make the events in the Southern states. Besides the weather elements, there may be holes in the field that twist ankles, yellow jacket nests that are disturbed, and poison ivy and poison oak lurking in the woods. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. "Become a Member." Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. The Texas Rifles are seeking men and women of valor to join us and thousands of other history-minded hobbyists to experience, first hand, one of the country's fastest-growing, most unique recreational activities. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. There are three types of reenactors; mainstreamers who do not fit the Civil War image of young thin soldiers and bring extra gear for comfort, campaigners who pride themselves in living rough in the open and achieving authenticity and stitch counters who pay attention to details of the history of uniforms and equipment and who generally maneuver with either mainstreamers or campaigners. Your email address will not be published. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Gear - How much a reenactor spends on their gear is a product of individual means, love for the hobby, and type of unit. No reenactor will respond to an unknown general who walks onto the field and tries to take command of units who do not know him. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. While military reenacting is popular in many countries and covering many wars, Civil War Reenacting has been a growing hobby since it began in the 1960s spurred on by the Centennial. We are a Union regiment of the Southern Skirmish Association which aims to bring the history of the American Civil War to life with battles, drill displays, and a taste of 19th century camp life. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. Period clothing and accessories can be very expensive -- depending on the period and figure you're portraying. Read more. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Most reenactment groups are very welcoming to new people and will show you the ropes and even outfit you until you can gradually acquire your own kit. Do you have a passion for Ancient Rome, medieval fashion, or Colonial America, and the Salem Witch Trials? The important thing to remember is the child still needs adult supervision. To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. Their website is: www.campchase.com), The Citizens Companion focuses on civilian reenacting and is also published by the same company that publishes Camp Chase Gazette. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. Units Groups of Civil War reenactors who participate as an actual unit that fought during the War, i.e., the 7th Texas Infantry, the 69th New York or the 19th Alabama. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. Colonial-era muskets run a few hundred dollars, and with the rest of the necessary kit, you're looking at more than $1,000 [source: 2nd Rhode Island Regiment]. One asked the obvious question to a man who had written more than 3,000 pages seemingly covering every aspect of a war that stretched from New Mexico to New York: Is there anything about the War that you dont know?, Footes response was immediate: I still dont know how they did it.