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. For the Bray family in Brunswick, American Civil War reenactment is more than just a historical hobby it's a family affair. Too far back and the soldier in the front rank is too close to the muzzle blast. Before showtime, pots and pans are some of the tools reenactor Tanya Haessly makes the most use of as a camp cook, feeding families and individuals taking part in a Civil War reenactment in Janney . Once you invest time and money into historical volunteerism, you'll likely find great reward from all your efforts. Children were active participants in the Civil War. That model Springfield was not developed until 1869. The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. Reproduction clothing can cost several hundred dollars, and reproduction period rifles as much as $1000. They'll have fun watching the excitement, and you'll get to teach them about history. 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. Any unit youre interested in joining should be eager to loan you a uniform and equipment for your first few events (if they are not or if youre pressured to purchase equipment right away, youre probably considering the wrong unit). Typically, the age restriction for most events is 16 years old to carry a musket/rifle. In summer, many men carry two. .com/us/military/civil-war-reenactor.html. While it is rare, people have died from the exertion. Here you can find a list of groups that portray the American Civil War period. Your email address will not be published. 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. Have you often wondered what it might have been like to actually live in the past? olg pick 4 The easiest way for children to get involved in reenacting is to do it as a family. In other words, you can try it out and see how you like it. Sometimes, you'll be able to find authentic uniforms to wear to reenactments, especially for 20th-century wars. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. Whoever is physically able can take to the battlefield with certain age restrictions. 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. Most units will be eager to help you select gear that fits with their authenticity standards and will offer up the unit commander, a non-commissioned officer, or another senior member to mentor you through your initial purchases. It might be a good idea to spring for the unit's annual fee for insurance coverage in case of an injury. that appeal to campaigners. 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. 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]. While headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, our membership encompasses Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. 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. People come to Civil War reenacting in a myriad of ways. Family Friendly Units - If reenacting is to become your next family adventure, you're going to have to find a family friendly unit. Some units focus on the military side of reenacting, preferring to keep civilian women in a separate camp while other units allow children to run around the military camp. The stitch counters can belong in either the mainstream or the campaigner camp. For instance, the Stonewall Brigades list is located here. 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. While we are based in Middle Tennessee, we have active and semi-active members in many states from Florida to Arizona and Alabama to Iowa besides our core Tennessee and Kentucky group. Local video entrepreneurs filmed those 125th anniversary reenactments on VHS tapes, selling them to the reenactors who hoped to see themselves acting as Civil War soldiers. What's more, you could get hurt. Battle reenactments are scripted recreations of actual Civil War engagements, which spectators pay to come and watch. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. Their website is: http://www.citizenscompanion.com/. Take the time to fully research your character and period, considering where yourpersonalives, his age, hisoccupation, and his social status, before purchasing items which may or may not be authentic or appropriate. ThoughtCo. If you have an interest in our American History during the period of 1861-1865, we invite you to join our ranks. Cavalry and artillery reenactors have the added burden of worrying about their horses and mules stepping into holes on the field. That inattention to historical details led to groan-inducing scenes (for reenactors anyway) in Shenandoah where Jimmy Stewarts teenaged son grabs a Trapdoor Springfield and starts fighting. When you're starting out as a volunteer, the unit you're working with will probably have a spare uniform you can borrow. You've probably thought to yourself that reenacting sounds like fun, but you're just not sure about committing yourself due to time, money, and lack of know-how. How do war reenactments work? Not sure about the geography of the middle east? Too far forward, and the percussion cap is exploding in his ear. 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. A few options to consider. For instance, the 26th Regiment of North Carolina Troops also portrays the 24th Michigan of The Iron Brigade when it reenacts as Federals. 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. Some larger units will have majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels. 7th Florida Infantry Regiment, Company F. 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Civil War Reenactment Unit, 24th Georgia vols Company B civil War reenacting group, Company A, 2nd Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters, 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company H, First Maryland Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Company B, 4th Texas Co. E / 16th Michigan Co. B Civil War Reenactors, Reynolds' Battery L 1st New York Light Artillery, 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company A, Company "C" 2nd Regiment Berdan Sharpshooters. During the Civil War Native Americans, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics fought on both sides. Many reenactors are completely outfitted with clothing, packs, gear, and vehicles their typical persona would carry. Reenacting events come in varying categories. California. Aside from physical distance, a reenactor needs to take into consideration a few factors. "How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting." To volunteer in historical reenactments, you'll be dedicating your time, sacrificing your modern comforts and paying a pretty penny. The organization has grown to include dozens of civil war reenactors and their families. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. The largest event was the 135th Gettysburg reenactment which involved 15,000 reenactors. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. How to Get Started on a Literature Review, Discovering the Occupations of Your Ancestors, Ancient Sources on Persian or Iranian History, Fun Family History Activities for Family Reunions, 3 Practical Ways to Become a Better Homeschooling Teacher, Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University. 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. Across the United States, Civil War battles rank among the most popular events to reenact -- they're often held on the original battlefields for true authenticity. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Please Keep Reenactment Discussions in Proper Forum! Immersion events are small reenactments where reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from vehicles. First-person - When a reenactor speaks to fellow reenactors and the public as a person during the 1860s. One place to find equipment for sale is at the reenactment events. Check your local newspaper or search the Internet to find a reenactment near you. Both firearms are basically the same, but it is critical that reenactors choose the longer 3-banded models over the sometimes available two-banded models. 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. That means single reenactors in a specialty uniform must search out similar reenactors to fall in with at events. AUTHENTIC Civil War Flag General W.F. Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the American Civil War. Mountains might be climbed. Living history events include encampments, parades, and school enrichment programs. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. Most reenactment groups have extra clothing, uniforms,costumes, and props that they are willing to loan to newcomers. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. To take part in high quality reenactments a reenactor should expect to drive at least a day for quality events. These events were often staged with paying spectators in mind, leading to sights that irritated reenactors such as rushing the enemy in a chargebut with multi-tiered bleachers behind the enemy. Discover more about American history at one of these events. 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. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. 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. 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. If you've gotten this far then hopefully you've put some thought into this endeavor. Don't let that stop you! 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. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. 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. Salary.com. The North Florida Artillery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Florida in March 2007. Most will sleep/camp at the reenactment event. American Civil War Reenactment Groups. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The three types seem to always be warring with each other in blog posts with the campaigners laughing at the age of the mainstreamers; the mainstreamers laughing at the campaigners with their dirty faces; and the stitch counters laughing at both of them for wearing a uniform that was proper in 1862, but which wasnt worn in 1864. "I decided to join the Civil War reenacting group that helped to make the movie." . 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 . Company B, the reenacting group, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer . Our editors update and regularly refine this enormous body of information to bring you reliable information. A Civil War Reenactment is the recreation of past battles for the education and entertainment of both spectators and hobbyists alike. 4 June 2009. We are active from Virginia to New England. This manual includes such things as company tactics and firing details [source: Miller]. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? The age restriction on handling firearms does not prevent one from taking part in the hobby. Colorado Connecticut. BROOKSVILLE, Fla. - Each January, Hernando County scrambled to put out the welcome mat for what has been called the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida the Brooksville Raid. 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. You must have a passion for history and an active imagination. While those shows inspired then young, now-middle aged reenactors to study the war, the producers paid little attention to authenticity. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved by Milsurpia. How do I join a unit as a reenactor? Merchants known as sutlers set up on-site to sell clothing, accessories and weapons. Eric Tetreault/Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Some people do take the "authenticity" to an extreme, but most groups welcome anyone with an interest. What period of history most grabs your interest? Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. Hundreds of . The youngest vet eran was 61 and the oldest was 112. Powell, Kimberly. "How to Volunteer in Historical Reenactments" Civil War Encampment & Reenactment 2021 August 5, 2021 | Education, Events and Programs, Historic Hanna's Town Thank you to everyone who joined us for the biannual Civil War Encampment and Reenactment! Oftentimes, a young person will find themselves interested in living history but struggle to get involved. A reenactor is a special breed of person. Events Could Include: Reenactments, Living Histories, Round Tables, Battlewalks, Shows, Lectures & More. 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. 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. Wearing historically accurate clothing is essential to your impression and attention to details is important, i.e. Reenactors sacrifice immense amounts of time, effort, and money to recreate history. Fit for Effective Service: Virginia Arms Her Stonewall Brigade, Its Ancient Reputation: The Stonewall Brigade at Cedar Mountain, The Stonewall Brigade at Gettysburg Part Four: The Fate of the Flags, How to Adapt a Confederate ANV Impression by Time Period, Top Tips for Transitioning From Mainstream to Authentic Reenacting. 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. There's nothing volunteering in a historical reenactment to experience the sights, sounds and smells of history. After all, every one of the reenactors at an event arrived in a 21st century vehicle of some kind. Experience being part of bringing our nation's most turbulent and tragic era to life. In particular, take notice of the grisly conditions a reenactor has to deal with -- especially in battle reenactments.
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