Reenacting events come in varying categories. 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. That means most Union forces on Southern battlefields likely talk with Southern accents even though they are in blue. Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. It was I who asked historian Shelby Foote some 20 years ago: Is there anything about The War you dont know? I got the quick answer: I still dont know how they did it.. File photo of a Revolutionary War reenactment. Civil War Traveler lists a variety of events, including reenactments, searchable by state so newcomers can see some reenactments in person and talk to unit members. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. Public hours are Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 19th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Battle times are 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. In addition to special uniforms, some reenactors will be tempted to get special firearms. Reenacting can be a family hobby with Dad, Mom, and the kids all portraying 19th century roles. The largest event was likely the 135th Gettysburg reenactment where an estimated 15,000 attended. There are even cavalry charges. The most famous reenactment of the 1960s was the July 1961 Battle of First Manassas or Bull Run, held on the Manassas National Battlefield. Admission Prices: All proceeds support the artillery horses of the California Historical Artillery Society 501 (c) (3). Secessionists dominated the Southern half of the state, while Northern California remained predominately pro-Union. Why is Civil War reenacting popular? On Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, CIVIL WAR DAYS, a two-day living history reenactment open to the public, gives visitors the opportunity to interact with the soldiers and civilians of the Civil War, getting a personal glimpse of the years 1861-1865 and a better understanding of the events that formed our country. In its 34 years of existence, the NCWA has seen the creation of other groups that budded off of it. 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. As an educator, he said the country doesnt do enough with education to dig deep into the past, and he hopes people will remember the whole history behind the conflict. Adult tickets are $12, kids 712 are $6, and children 6 and under are free. Reenactors adopt what they call impressions based on the type of person they want to portray. 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. A reenactor could choose that impression by joining a reenacting unit following those uniform guidelines. Civil War Comes to California At the time of the war's outbreak, California was still physically very isolated from the rest of the country. The vast majority of reenactors belong to individual units, portraying a particular infantry or cavalry company, or artillery battery. The G.A.R. Civil War Reenactment. 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. Nothing spoils the look of a rank of men in a battle line then seeing someone wearing modern day glasses or ear rings. While the vast majority of reenactors are standard uniformed Confederate and Union soldiers, there are some small numbers who wear unique uniforms. From the East Coast, California could only be reached by either a six-month cross-country trip or a dangerous voyage by ship around Cape Horn. Still, the best plan for new reenactors is to join a unit and ask for help from the old hands in selecting uniforms and equipment. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. On-site parking is available for $5 per car (cash only). Additionally, numerous California regiments were organized and joined with state regiments back east. Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. I homeschool my children and this is a history lesson for them.". The importance of telling and sharing the Civil War history has grown over the past years since the rise of protests after the murder of George Floyd, according to the reenactors. Secessionists dominated the Southern half of the state, while Northern California remained predominately pro-Union. He told ABC News it should be acceptable for people in the South to honor and celebrate the Confederacy. Reenactors wanting to get as close as possible to how the soldiers lived will use this resource. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. With the exception of events where rains flood the battlefield, reenactments are rarely cancelled for heat or cold. Free shipping for many products! Mountains might be climbed. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. 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. 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. contactbodegabay@gmail.com. The participants are primarily from reenactor organizations based in Southern California. Their website is: www.CivilWarNews.com, Camp Chase Gazette is a how-to magazine for authentic reenactors. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. But in fact, staged battles began while the war was still underway. The NCWA was a pioneer in the integration of Union, Confederate, and Civilian impressions into one reenacting organization. The only thing that will change people is a change of heart.. In all, over 17,000 Californians would join as soldiers; this is the highest per-capita total for any state in the Union. Reenacting does require a commitment, however, in both time and resources. 1 of 29. 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. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. Inn at the Tides: Tranquility and Rejuvenation on the Sonoma Coast, March Crab Cioppino @ 2023 Bodega Bay Grange. Particularly welcomeand neededat reenactments are Black reenactors. Civil War Begin your Civil War Research Learn about resources at the National Archives for researching individuals who served in the Civil War. No detail about a reenactors appearance should be ignored. Public hours are Saturday, July 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Battle times are 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Civil War (1861-65) Reenactment & Reproductions; Reenacting the Civil War as a hobby got off to a shaky start during in the 1960s when authenticity was ignored in favor of doing something, anything, to commemorate the Centennial. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. Pre-event discount tickets are available at: Casini Ranch Campground in Duncans Mills and Good to Go Military in Cotati. Few units allow people in 21st century garb to camp in the military camp as it detracts from the reenactment atmosphere. Where do they have Civil War reenactments? Without this steady supply of gold, the outcome of the war might have been very different. How does a starving man march 20 miles then go into a three-hour battle? [1]. All proceeds support the artillery horses of the California Historical Artillery Society. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. Confederate Uniform Package from $194.95. Reenactors as they participate in the annual Civil War battle reenactment July 3, 2005 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On-site parking is available for $5 per car, cash only. Which branch reenactors join is up to their interest in each branchand their financial resources. During the secession crisis, Northern California was securely in the Unions hands. Southern California, however, had a vocal minority of Southerners who had moved during the Gold Rush that wished to have Southern California secede from the Union and join the Confederacy. Public hours are Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Battle times are 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Workers tie up the statue of Robert E. Lee at the Robert E. Lee Memorial prior to its removal in Richmond, Va., Sept. 8, 2021. Most reenacting units have both a website and a Facebook page, making it easier for people to find local units. If we don't continue this, then my grandchildren and your grandchildren won't have the option of learning exactly what happened, not the polished version, not the governmental version, but exactly what happened, Carpenter said. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. I may say, however, that I have it now in purpose when the railroad is finished, to visit your wonderful state.". Leather Accessories Package. There were probably about three or four hundred spectators yesterday, so there were a good bit of people, Pugh said. 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. 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. Check with your reenacting unit before buying any gun. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. The NCWA welcomes new members, and it offers individuals, couples, and families the option of attending one event for free as new members. - Duncans Mills, Copyright 2023 Happening in Sonoma County, *Get featured on What to Eat in Sonoma County!. This biannual event recreates a winter encampment of the Civil War era, with living history Union and Confederate . 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. 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. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. 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. Black and White image. Finally, there is the largest investment of all, the musket and bayonet. Many Civil War reenactors are gearing up for a round of 150th anniversary encampments to begin in 2011 at South Carolina's Fort Sumter. Civil War Reenacting is an exciting hobby for the novice historian, students of all ages or serious Civil War enthusiast. Haessly and her kids sleep in a tent near the camp under the shadow of a Confederate flag one of the many props used in the reenactment. Civil War reenactments have drawn more attendees after the removal of statues. I have no problem with the carving. The Battle of Glorieta Pass was fought on March 26-28, 1862 as reinforcements from California arrived. San Benito County Historical Park - Tres Pios, CA - September 15, 16, & 17, 2023 The Civil War in the United States began in 1861, after decades of simmering tensions between northern and southern states over slavery, states' rights and westward expansion. Reenactors who claim: My ancestors would roll over in their graves if I portrayed the other side are frowned upon. Free shipping for many products! Many units will choose opposite unit impressions that have something to do with the primary unit they portray, or perhaps a unit that passed through their home area. Not taking anything away from what happened in Minneapolis, I know that was a sad time, but I believe, you know, the monuments being removed and everything else was kind of like a spit in the face, Re said. Twice-daily battlesnew each year!fill the surrounding hills with the sound of fife, drum, musket, and cannon as the American Civil War comes to life. My mom was from Maine, my father was from the South. Some units have fifers and drummers. Living histories take place at the actual battlefield by invitation from the National Park Service. Infantry is the easiest branch to learn and to finance. As a testament to society's enduring fascination with the. They were lined up all the way around the road and up the hill to the flag yesterday.. The 125th Franklin, Tennessee event was held in minus 10 wind chill. A love of history of all time periods is common though reenactors focus on the 19th century. The Civil War comes alive at the Kennedy Gold Mine with living history activities and battle re-enactments presented by the National Civil War Association (NCWA), the second oldest continuously existing Civil War reenacting organization in Northern California. Californians would face the enemy in most of the major battles in the East, including one regiment, organized and commanded by the former California Senator Edward Dickinson Baker (then a Colonel), that defended against Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, arguably the most pivotal military action of the war. Troy Fallin of the Third Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia. It is where the Civil War soldier carried his food and where the reenactor will carry his food, wallet and car keys. The main thing one has to learn is the infantry drill, and to follow orders to execute maneuvers. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Civil War Reenacting is an exciting hobby for the armchair historian, student or serious Civil War enthusiast . From 2004 until April 2012, we had a store for anyone in the Paradise, California area and have had customers come to our store from as . Civil War Reenactment Hardcover Small Business American Civil War Gifts American Civil War Gifts Gettysburg American Civil War Reenactment Reenactor Throw Pillow, 18x18, Multicolor 3 $2499 FREE delivery Tue, Feb 14 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Amazon Merch on Demand Windlass While the three-banded musket is standard, there might be the occasional chance to carry something else. Otherwise, the 60 grains of powder and a piece of paper wadding for each charge is authentic. Union Uniforms. One of the largest Civil War reenactments west of the Mississippi and the largest in Northern California is returning to Freezeout Canyon in the charming town of Duncans Mills, California, on the Russian River. 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). NEW Civilian Vests, Sacks & Frocks. Most units have a list of acceptable gear and approved sutlers. Whats not to like? Civil War reenactment brings history to Huntington Beach A Confederate soldier gets hit in an enactment of the Civil War in Central Park. Reenacting gear includes the uniform, accoutrements, a musket, shoes, hat and more, all purchased from sutlers, merchants specializing in reproduction products for reenactors. While reenacting is a hobby, it has some of the trappings of operating in an actual army. Civil War Days at Riley's Farm Yucaipa, California Mar 04 to Mar 05, 2023 The Patrol - A First Section Event , North Carolina Mar 10 to Mar 12, 2023 Battle of Newton Newton, Alabama Mar 11 to Mar 12, 2023 Camp Mabry: Battleground 1863 Austin, Texas Mar 11 to Mar 12, 2023 Battle of Cabin Creek Spavinaw, Oklahoma Mar 11 to Mar 12, 2023 Tentative The monument, a six-foot granite pillar in Hollywood Cemetery, saluted several dozen Confederate veterans who had moved to Southern California after the war. I have learned a lot while being a member of the organization for the past 30 years. What did the Gettysburg artillery barrage sound like? Once the basics are purchased, reenactors move on to acquire other gear like a canvas dog tent, or a larger A-frame tent, a gum or rubber blanket/poncho for putting down on the ground or wearing as rain gear, and cooking gear like tin frying pans and cooking grates. Women have to make the effort to disguise themselves as men. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. A statue of Confederate States President Jefferson Davis lies on the street after protesters pulled it down in Richmond, Va., June 10, 2020. Civil War battle reenactments have been taking place across the South since the 1960s. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. But the. The site has a Secure Shopping Cart for anyone wishing to purchase our reproduction items over the internet. This is not only an educational experience but an unforgettable one for all ages. 8 x 10 ships priority mail. A two day living history experience. It's still things that we need to remember, she said. Lynn Q. Yu August 24, 2017. American Civil War Uniforms & Clothing, Personal & Camp Gear, Knives & Swords, Books & Related. If the unit is a horse-drawn battery, the reenactors are expected to help groom, water, and feed the horses. Horses, though trained to expect loud noises from cannons, rifles, pistols and clanging sabers, sometimes throw their riders to the ground. It publishes articles such as how to cut and pack rations of raw pork, how to properly do bayonet drill, calendars of events, and how to contact different reenactment units. Some of these reenactors travel the country to tell the stories of their ancestors, and high school social studies teacher Jason Sumner expects to have a busy summer as the interest grows. Join our community to receive occasional special offers, contest notifications Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. Email: Carolyn Lewis at 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. 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 . Between battle reenactments, spectators are invited to visit the encampments and view authentic camp life in an atmosphere highlighted by equipment from the Civil War era and to interact with the dedicated reenactorstalk with them, learn what they believed in, and why these soldiers risk their lives for these beliefs. Reenactors carry everything with them with no resupply from a vehicle, speak in first person and essentially lose themselves entirely in the war for the weekend. 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