Any American Civil War Reenactors on here?

Question

I am curious. I have found out several of my friends have been doing reenactments. If you do this does it truly give you an appreciation for the history you are reenacting?
Also, which side do you portray?
Thank you in advance.
Peace.

Answer 1

As a Reenactor of four years I would have to say yes I do appreciate the history. I am a Union Engineer Sargent or a Signal Corp Corporal with the Army of the Potomac and our reenactments usually entail showing people how the maps in the Civil War were made and how a bridge was built or if we're lucky how a siege was carried out all with hand tools and no GPS's also you have to hand draw the map or set up and run a field telegraph station without radios or cell phones most people don't believe that it was how things were done. Also we have to carry the Rifled Muskets of the time and the standard Blue Wool Uniform and sometimes fight in the battle.

When I think of men having to work and fight in those clothes and made even die in those wool uniforms that aren't very comfortable and after a time start to smell or after you have to eat a meal of hardtack coffee and fat back you have great respect for the men who had to live and fight in the Civil War.

Answer 2

I've done some, over many years. The serious reenactor becomes very much the researcher, in order to perfect the characterizarion and to ensure that his/her equipage--clothing, tools, weapons, coins, what have you--are the exact items the person being portrayed would have possessed.

Yes, I believe that it does give one a better perspective on the era, people and experiences. That said, I've known a few folk--reenactors of everything from ancient Rome through the Viet Nam War--who need to be occasionally reminded, in effect, that 'it's only a game and you aren't the real thing, fer gossakes!'. I suspect, however, that these folk would behave exactly the same over-the-top way regardless of what they were into--be it sports, reeacting, gardening, or stamp collecting.

As to what side...usually WWII, US or British (though I've 'filled in' on a Waffen-ss unit once or twice when bodies were needed for a public demonstration...) I've done some American Civil War, as well--always Union Army.

You might wish to try it out. Reenacting is not limited to military subjects; S.P.Q.R. deals with Roman society outside the legions, too; Regia Anglorum is for folks looking to recreate the Dark Ages, especially the lives of the common village folk. The Society for Creative Anachronism is kind of a "middle ages as they should've been" approach to reenactment that's geared toward the world at large of roughly that era (though the middle ages part extends well into the European Rennaisance for some groups). Sealed Knot does the English Civl War--they might not be represented on this side of the pond; that said, there are several American Civil War units, on both sides, in the UK.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I am a Civil War renactor and have been for about 3 years. I am a member of the New jersey Civil War History Association and I portray a Union civillian woman.

Yes, it does give me an appreciation of the history. Wearing the many layers of civillian clothing is a transformation for me. When I reenact I feel as though I'm experiencing the lives of those who lived through the civil war. Going out there and being able to live as they did back then while educating the public is a wonderful feeling. At every event I go to it's like I go back in time.

It's something that I'd suggest if you're interested in the history. But you have to be serious about it.

Answer 4

Fought with the 19th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Company F. which along with the 2nd, 6th, 7th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and the 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry made up the famous Iron Brigade which was the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac ( aka the Tall Black Hat Brigade ).

yes, it gives one a very definite idea as to what life was like in the 1860 period. when one assumes the role of a Civil War Soldier one lets go of modern speech and dress, which helps accurately portray the events. one carries letters, tintypes, personal items a soldier would have at that time which causes one to appreciate what they went through to both preserve and defend the cause they thought was just.

Answer 5

I don't but have friends that are into living history and are a New York Infantry Regiment and a Confederate Light Artillery Battery. They love it and some have had the opportunity of being extras in Gods and Generals and one was an extra in Glory.
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