There is no age requirement for being a Civil War reenactor, but, of course, minors will need to have their parents approval and support. Perry's Headquarters Flag, Authentic, Original, Antique Civil War Cavalry Boots, 1840-Civil War Authentic Mechanic/ Wheel Cap Campaigner Repro by Mike Anderson, A RARE AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL EARLY CIVIL WAR CAVALRY UNIFORM, Authentic General US Grant Civil War Currier and Ives Lithograph Original Frame. 2nd Rhode Island Regiment. While the majority of soldiers were in the 1840 age range, in many enlistment cases birth years were overlooked, or were fabricated. A more specialized type of reenactment is living history, which requires reenactors to adopt specific historic personas and engage directly with the public to educate them about a certain period. Three factors come into play, and the United States demonstrates all of them. Becoming a historical re-enactor requires an unquenchable thirst for history and abiding patience with uncomfortable accommodations and ridiculous outfits. Typical costs for reenacting might include the following. 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. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. Many groups may bridge these labels and there is a great degree of variation within the clusters, but generally reenacting organizations fall into one of the following categories: 3) Do Your Research on Units: The current reality of the reenacting hobby is that every unit is eager, if not borderline desperate, to add new recruits to their ranks. Many organizations, particularly Civil War, offer family friendly scenarios. Sutlers set up large tents at reenactments and also sell on-line. 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. Some states require even single shot, reproduction muskets to be registered with the government. The 26th North Carolina Troops and the 24th Michigan ran head-on into each other on the first day of Gettysburg in McPhersons Woods. 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. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. 4. 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. Beginners should start by attending Civil War Reenactments and observing what goes on. American Civil War Reenactment Groups Historical reenactment groups and living history groups offer an insight into how men and women lived in past times. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. 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. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. Are you interested in conducting research into tiny details of soldiers lives? Sutlers Merchants who followed troops during the Civil War. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. How Civil Wars Start - Foreign Policy Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 - Westmoreland County ThoughtCo. 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 are active from Virginia to New England. For a great description of womens clothing and textiles during the Civil War, read this Civil War Fashion piece by Kathy Dhalle on the Bits of Blue & Gray website. Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. While some of the research is now a bit dated, there is no better place to start than Bell Wileys classicsThe Life of Johnny Reb: The Common Soldier of the Confederacyand The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments. The majority of reenactors choose to be soldiers, but even in a military reenactment group, there are other characters, such as wives, camp followers, surgeons, tinkers and sutlers (merchants). Reenactors refer to their clothing and equipment as theirkit. Reenactors do not dwell on that terrible human cost. If you can find material written by men from the unit you portray, even better. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. You'll also have to brush up on the language and customs specific to the era. 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. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. Here is a sampling of an infantry soldier's kit from the website of the 28th Massachusetts, Volunteer Infantry, 4th Regiment, Irish Brigade: Federal issue forage cap (dark or indigo blue) American Civil War reenactment - Wikipedia Once you do, it's time to create your own historical persona. You can buy relatively cheap U.S. uniforms from the World Wars. Campaigners are usually young and pride themselves in carrying a minimal amount of gear, sleeping in the open, and being as uncomfortable as they can be, which was the way it was. Tacticals are unscripted battles which are usually not open to the public. Reenacting for many is a serious, but fun, event. The most stare-inducing women reenactors are those ladies portraying Catholic nuns who served as nurses during the war. Help/Ideas for Organizing a Reenactment - American Civil War Forums 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. In addition to having to wear hot, uncomfortable clothing, participants can forget about sleeping in comfortable beds, eating decent food and taking hot showers. New reenactors start as privates and promotion to non commissioned officer or officer status depends on passing tests and demonstrating an ability to command larger bodies of men in maneuvers on the field. How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments | HowStuffWorks The gear does not stop at just a firearm either. If the unit is dedicated to historical accuracy, the accommodations will be meager. 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. Are you looking for something you can do with your family? Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. The best first purchase you can make is a pair of well-built shoes, usually called brogans or bootees. 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. R. Lee Hadden. Some of the young men who started reenacting decades ago when the 125th anniversary events attracted them are now passing through middle age. Unit Dues - Unit dues are typically the cheapest of all expenses. 2022 Sandbox Networks Inc. All rights reserved. Figure the cost of your accessories into your budget, too. But if you want to portray a German soldier from World War II, the uniforms are pricier -- typically $300 to $400 [source: Miller]. Learn more about the mythic conflict between the Argives and the Trojans. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. A reenactor is a special breed of person. 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. Many units have loaner gear or special requirements. List of historical reenactment groups - Wikipedia Reenactor A person, male or female, dedicated to recreating the War Between the States or Civil War. clear this with both units and dont just show up expecting to be ok. . 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. You may want to speak candidly with your current units commander about what youre looking for in another unit, as they may have contacts or suggestions for other units that you can consider (if a unit commander isnt willing to do this, its probably a sign you should leave that unit anyways, as theyre not looking out for your best interests). Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. 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. Some units have fifers and drummers. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. So, many die-hard history-lovers volunteer in historical reenactments for an action-packed and enlightening experience. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. The 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry is Indiana's oldest, largest and best drilled civil war unit. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. Reenacting units organized around a specific regiment with a general type of uniform will not allow a Berdan sharpshooter or a Louisiana Tiger in the ranks. Or, Dad can stay in the military camp while Mom and the kids stay in a civilian camp. Most reenactors join the infantry, which is followed in popularity by the artillery, then the cavalry and there are a few naval interpreters. The reason is obvious. Welcome! These can range anywhere from $5 a month to $25 a month. The 52nd Tennessee Infantry 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. Invitation events are smaller with limited numbers of participants making them easier to manage. 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. We seek to commemorate the great hardships and sacrifices of the soldiers and citizens of Indiana during our nation's most turbulent and defining moment in history, the American Civil War. 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. To those who do not do it, reenacting may seem like an odd hobby; spending the weekend recreating a war that killed upwards of three quarters of a million people when the United States population was just 31 million. 2 nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment, Co. 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. CIVIL WAR REENACTING | How to Join a Unit - YouTube Leather cartridge box, belt, bayonet scabbard and cap box come in a variety of types and colors such as russet brown, but most men choose black so the same accoutrements can be used for both Confederate and Union impressions. Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. or C.S.A. This is especially important when it comes to clothing and weaponry, as we'll see on the next page. We have members in four states Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. BOOK TIP: "The Illustrated Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era". Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. The same uniforms worn in the summer are worn in the winter. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. 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. 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. What does it take to start a civil war? - American Thinker Subscribe to our newsletter * indicates required. You may need to attend a handful of events with them before you get a good feel for the units personality and whether it is a good fit for you. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Most organization will not watch your 10 year old kid all day. They are great foundational introductions to the topic. Thanks for reaching out John we just got in touch to provide you some additional information. 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. The unit you ultimately join should be in a position to provide the elements that you want to get out of reenacting. Confederate States or Confederate States Army. 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. In FULL SLAVE garb. 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.

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