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Reenactments vary greatly in size, with events in New England typically showcasing 100500 infantry, while the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg in 2013 is expected to field more than 15,000 reenactors, plus thousands of civilian interpreters, 400 horses, and 100 cannon. At the reenactments of those battles, Federal reenactors with access to repeating rifles like the 1860 Henry or the Spencer rifle or carbine will brigade together to recreate those particular actions. Farby is a Civil War Reenactment term for anything not typical of the period. (May 8, 2009) http://www.2ri.org/become_a_member.htm, Bromer, Zachary. Each reenactment is a unique experience that allows participants to see through the eyes of a historical person and undergo all the hardships that go along with the times -- short of actually being killed in battle or catching typhoid. Youre obviously interested in the Civil War, otherwise you wont be considering reenacting. Historical reenactors are known for being sticklers for accuracy. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. The granddaddy of all Civil War sutlers started outfitting reenactors in the mid-1970s. Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. 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. You'll have the Web at your fingertips to research an object's authenticity -- and to compare prices from multiple vendors. In summer, many men carry two. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. And that will generally be a four-wheel-drive SUV as all reenactors will one day find themselves in a muddy field wondering if they will be able to get out in time to get back to work on Monday. Reliving the Civil War: A Re-enactors Handbook. 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. Civilian - A person, male or female, who reenacts any non-military impression during Reenactments. During fights with frequent firing, muskets have been known to cook off, a pre-mature explosion of the black powder poured down the barrel caused by a still-burning spark. While two-banded muskets were very common in ranks during the War, reenactors should not use them because of safety concerns with respect to the length of the barrel. One can read the history of how Confederate Major General Ambrose Powell Hills Light Division marched 22 miles from Harpers Ferry, Virginia to Sharpsburg, Maryland. 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. Not all reenactment groups will offer the same experiences. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. 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. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. Shopping online is a good alternative to making purchases at a reenactment. Since 1974, we have represented Indiana's civil war heritage in movies and documentaries, for newspapers and TV, and at schools, museums and reenactments across the US. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. It is up to reenactors to know if they have the stamina to participate in the action. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. The English Civil War Society UK: English Civil War: 1642 AD 1651 AD Combat reenactment, living history, educational visits, film and TV work Ermine Street Guard UK: Roman army: 50 AD 200 AD Combat reenactment, living history, TV and film work, education work, research Historia Normannis UK France USA: Middle Ages: 1100 1215 Combat reenactment . Can one really hear a Civil War era term the rattle of musketry? With sound recordings, new generations could hear the Rebel yellyelped by 95-year-old men who still had the spunk to give it. 21st Virginia, F Company, inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c)3 , living history, educational and Civil War re-enactment organization. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? Your email address will not be published. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. Most large re-enactment events take place outdoors, so spring through fall are very active times of the year for the majority of these groups. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. How to join a unit, where and how to k. Work with your unit point of contact to ensure that the items you select even from these vendors are appropriate, since not every jacket a particular vendor offers will fit your units desired impression. Women participate as nurses, vivandieres, cooks, laundresses, or wives and sisters visiting the soldier in camp. Once the leather gear, muskets, and bayonets are purchased, only the opposite sides coat and pants are a necessary purchase to correctly portray the other side. There are reenactment groups for almost any era that captures your interest, such as ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the American Revolution or either of the World Wars. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. Some units are thinking of staging parts of battles as authentically as possible, complete with the scaled down, but statistically correct numbers of casualties, and the maneuvers mentioned in survivor accounts. Both shows used reenactors for the first time, a revelation for Hollywood directors who suddenly realized that their extras knew how to act like Civil War soldiers. 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. These would be reproduction arms originally manufactured by Springfield and copied by the Confederates, or Enfield, which was an English import used by both sides. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. As a spectator, you have a great opportunity to get a preview of what volunteering is like. These organizations will often have a camp life where young ones can partake in 1860's life styles. It is common to find Black reenactors sprinkled in the Confederate ranks. - Confederate States or Confederate States Army. That does not mean that single, unit-unaffiliated Black reenactors in blue will not be allowed in ranks at reenactments such as Gettysburg, but it is not historically accurate. Infoplease is a reference and learning site, combining the contents of an encyclopedia, a dictionary, an atlas and several almanacs loaded with facts. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. This Forum is for Posting Civil War Event Information. In 1913 elderly Union and Confederate veterans met at the 50th anniversary of Gettysburg and put themselves through their pacesbut without the muskets they had used against each other. The physically disabled cannot take the field as soldiers, but the impression of a wounded soldier in a period wheel chair being pushed by a civilian in period clothes is welcome. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. Extreme Points of the United States (States & Territories), Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue), State issue forage cap with McDowell visor (dark or indigo blue), Federal fatigue blouse ("sack coat," dark or indigo blue) with four brass buttons, Federal trousers, foot pattern (sky blue), Issue muslin shirt (or other period pattern), USM1855 cartridge box, .58 caliber, mid-war model (black leather), USM1855 bayonet scabbard (black leather, one-piece Springfield style), M1853 three-band .577 caliber Enfield rifle musket and bayonet, Musket sling for M1853 Enfield (untreated leather), Haversack, U.S. regulation wartime issue (black tarred canvas), USM1858 smooth side canteen (jean cloth or dark blue wool cover) with strap (leather preferred over cotton drill or linen). A few options to consider. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. 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. Then, the reenactors, tourist bureaus, and entrepreneurs realized that starting in 1991 they could stage larger-than-usual events at five-year intervals starting with the 130th anniversary of the start of the War. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. Most large re-enactment events take place outdoors, so spring through fall are very active times of the year for the majority of these groups. Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. 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 . Before you start investing cash in reenacting, attend enough events to ensure that its a hobby that you truly enjoy and want to purse. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Mainstream is exactly what it sounds like, reenactors ranging in age from teenagers to well-beyond middle age who like the hobby, but who also do not fit the Civil War image of soldiers being thin and between the ages of 18-25. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Don't let that stop you! We've got you covered with our map collection. Not only does it reinforce our sense of pride in our heritage, but its something in which the entire family can participate. The future of reenacting rests on the shoulders of younger generations. Confederate reenactors armed with single shot muskets have no choice but to fall or withdraw in the face of men using rifles that could carry upwards of 13 rounds that could be fired in a matter of seconds. Being at that part of the line during the reenactment is special as it clearly reinforces the advantage the Union army had with repeating rifles. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. Reenacting Civil War battles began during the War when both sides staged mock battles when heavy snows kept the men in camp from going out and killing each other. Focused events try to recreate parts of battles. American Civil War Society. On the downside in terms of authenticity, they operate in much smaller groups that sometimes preclude them from being able to do the complicated drills that Civil War regiments would have done, and which the mainstreamers relentlessly practice. 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. As you become more engaged with the unit, it's time to think about acquiring your own reenactment kit so that new recruits can use the spares while they test the waters. At battles where the 24th Michigan with its distinctive long frock coats and tall black hats was not present, the men of the 26th North Carolina Troops put on common Union shell jackets and portray whatever Union units were present. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing reenactors to recruit new members. Alright, as a black man I have to say this: * ahem * IF. But if you've got the mettle and undying enthusiasm for history, we'll walk you through the basics of how to get involved. These characteristics can be challenging to identify by examining a units website or Facebook page or by chatting with the members at an event. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. 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. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. Special Thanks It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. 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. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links at no additional cost to you. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. There is nothing inherently better or worse about any of these clusters they are each different ways of experiencing the hobby and it is important that you pick the one that most closely matches what interests you. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. The USCTs fought as all Black units commanded by white officers. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/getting-started-with-reenacting-1422852. 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! Perhaps you attended a reenactment as a spectator and found yourself wishing you were in the midst of the smoke and confusion rather than watching it from afar. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. If the idea of volunteering in historical reenactments is appealing to you, the first thing you should do is attend some of these events as a spectator. The further that is away from the face, the better. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. 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]. Reenacting. I, Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Company A, Incorporated, 11th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, Company G, Fourteenth Regiment Connecticut, Van Dyke's Howitizers 1st Florida Artillery. While this material is of interest to reenactors, our hobby requires a detailed knowledge of the daily experience of individual soldiers. What reenacting does is give men and women a chance to walk in the footsteps of those people who came before us just a little over 150 years ago. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. They carried Sharps rifles. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. Unit Type - Not all organizations are the same. Most reenactment organizations also won't allow children under 16 to bear arms. The totally geared up reenactor will invest around $2 500 to $3 000 however that equipment with the exception of brogans will last as long as the reenactor will. Once a prospective reenactor joins a unit the next step is to buy gear from sutlers, merchants specializing in the hobby named after the original civilian shop keepers who catered to the needs of Civil War soldiers. Time and place generally work together, so while you're picking your time period, you will generally have a certain location in mind as well. Check ourencyclopedia for a gloss on thousands of topics from biographies to the table of elements. There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. If you wear eyeglasses, consider purchasing period frames high on your shopping list as well. Load more. Living History Archive. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. Do not buy from sutlers on-line then select which unit you want to join. 1) Put the Credit Card Away: The absolute best advice anyone can give you is to delay purchasing any gear. Before you purchase a musket and show up to your first event, you may find the following tips useful. How do your feet feel after marching 22 miles in a single day in thin-soled brogans? Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. In 2014 the name was changed to North Florida Artillery Historical Foundation, Inc. was established as a non profit/IRS organization. Reenactors generally participate in three types of events: Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. If you're interested in volunteering as a Civil War reenactor, the entire kit (including uniform, canteen, weapon and leatherwear) will cost about $850 to $1,500 [source: Miller]. The problem with these specialty impressions is that they only operate as units. Families wishing to stay together all weekend can portray civilians. The weapons that reenactors carry are real -- and loaded. Are you looking for a highly immersive experience that puts you right in the shoes of a Civil War soldier? There are essentially three types of reenactors; mainstream, campaigners, and stitch counters. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. John Miller, a veteran reenactor who specializes in the Civil War, warns prospective volunteers that the hobby can get dangerous [source: Miller]. Active members, either military or . Confederate States or Confederate States Army. Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. It is ultimately more important that you be happy and fulfilled in reenacting to ensure the hobby remains vibrant than for any particular unit to add an additional musket to the ranks. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Attend a few such reenactment events and talk to members of the involved groups to learn more about their reenactment focus and activities. or C.S.A. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. And, if one wants, one can carry original muskets if they are safe. - "A Union Civil War Living History and Reenacting organization located in the greater Connecticut area. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. 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. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. The Centennial created some interest in Hollywood, resulting in some Civil War era television shows like The Gray Ghost (1957) and The Americans (1961), and movies like Shenandoah (1965). 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 . Brush up on your geography and finally learn what countries are in Eastern Europe with our maps. Threadcounter A reenactor who insists on a historically accurate impression, down to fabric and buttonholes having the same threadcount typical of the time. A group of men this size can engage in brigade drill, practicing the same types of maneuvers the Civil War soldiers learned in order to face an enemy coming from any direction. We are active from Virginia to New England. If you crave intrigue and a dash of melodrama, historical fiction can make the past come alive. 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. The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana's oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. 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. Units portraying the Vietnam War aren't nearly as prolific as World War 2 or Civil War impressions. As you look at different reenacting units, you may see three terms in particular, which are commonly used to describe different segments of the reenacting spectrum.