Invitation events are smaller events where organizers limit the number of participants in order to better manage the scale. 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. "I have long desired to see California; the production of her gold mines has been a marvel to me, and her stand for the Union, her generous offerings to the Sanitary (Commission), and her loyal representatives have endeared your people to me; and nothing would give me more pleasure than a visit to the Pacific shore, and to say in person to your citizens, God bless you for your devotion to the Union, but the unknown is before us. The group is suing, in some cases, to stop cities across the country from removing Civil War monuments from public spaces. "There were probably about three or four hundred spectators yesterday, so there were a good bit of people," Pugh said. 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. It was anticipation of the 125th anniversary events, starting in 1986, when reenacting turned into a serious hobby. You may not think of California when you think of the Civil War, but the war deeply divided Californians as it did the rest of the country. They were lined up all the way around the road and up the hill to the flag yesterday.. And so I had people on the northern side that died. It was part of the Huntington Beach Historical. Along with his co-stars, Sumner will wear his uniform for six more performances in the spring alone. 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. Since the war took place in the South, it is more difficult for Yankees in Northern states to make the events in the Southern states. During the American Civil War, Visalia, California, was divided between Southern sympathizers and Northern supporters. How did my ancestors survive battles, diseases, and prison camps on far away battlefields then return home to produce me? 3 million fought - 600,000 paid the ultimate price for freedom. Known as sham battles, mock battles or mimic battles, these battles were enacted for a variety of reasons: entertainment, practice and to demonstrate to civilians back home what happened during the war.. That will mean pushing long hair under a hat, taking off ear rings, and doing their best to hide the evidence of being female. The war stretched from the Atlantic coast all the way to the Pacific. Civil War Begin your Civil War Research Learn about resources at the National Archives for researching individuals who served in the Civil War. Check out a great video about the event at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJX0VhRliDE. A statue of Confederate States President Jefferson Davis lies on the street after protesters pulled it down in Richmond, Va., June 10, 2020. 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. Mega events involve thousands of reenactors. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Many of the Civil War reenactments in Northern California were created by NCWA members. A canteen holding about two quarts of water is critical. 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. Join our community to receive occasional special offers, contest notifications Mega-events, reenactments where reenactors number several thousand, are likely gone forever now that the 150th anniversary events ended in 2015. As they learn how to be a soldier, they take tests and advance through the non-commissioned ranks to corporals and sergeants. 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 Civil War Days hosts reenactors from all over the United States, each living historians with their own impressions of people whom lived 160 years ago. Real sticklers discourage men from wearing wedding bands as that custom was not around during The Civil War. NEW Civilian Vests, Sacks & Frocks. One note for reenactors living in states with strict gun laws. 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. How do I get involved in a historical reenactment? 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. The exhaustion felt at the end of that reenacting march brings home the realization that the soldiers of the Civil War were tough. Day of the event tickets are: Adults $12, Kids $6, and Under 6 are free. R. Lee Hadden. On-site parking is available for $5 per car (cash only). The 125th anniversary of the start of the war in 1986 saw reenacting turn into a serious hobby.A love of history, a desire to better understand what Civil War era soldiers and civilians experienced, the pleasure of camping with friends and cooking over an open fire all explain why reenactors follow this hobby. When events are not limited by the numbers of participants per side, some events have seen Confederates outnumber Federals by five to oneat battles which the Federals won. Whats not to like? Reenactors have a variety of reasons for dressing up on the weekends then plunging into their interpretation of a war that killed, by recent estimates, 750,000 people. Reenacting units keep a list of approved sutlers that have proven to stock authentic and well-made goods. "In 2017, Arizona State Parks determined that we were unable to continue hosting, planning and absorbing all costs for . . 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. By the time Ken Burns PBS special The Civil War debuted in 1990 interest in the War was on an upswing. California in Time: the Fight over Slavery Through the Civil War This timeline lists and explains important events related to slavery and the Civil War, and their causes and consequences, in the context of California's role in the nation's history between 1850 and 1865. They carried Sharps rifles. There were probably about three or four hundred spectators yesterday, so there were a good bit of people, Pugh said. Brogans are broad-soled half boots with leather soles worn by the common foot soldier. Union Uniform Package from $189.95. Civil War battle reenactments have been taking place across the South since the 1960s. There is at least one Civil War era brass band using period instruments and playing period music. When brigaded with other units, a reenactor general may command 200-300 men. Adults $12 Juniors (7 - 12) $6.00 Kids (6 and under) Free! And if people say they don't like statues, put up their own statues, let all Americans have their say [about] what they want about their ancestors, their history and the like.. Email: Carolyn Lewis at For more information, contact the California Historical Artillery Society [CHAS] at 707-922-5901 or visit the event website at: www.civilwardays.net. Muskets are real guns and fire a full powder charge but no bullet. Eleven southern . All races and ethnicities can reenact. When we have calls for diversity, it should include diversity of opinion as well, OToole said. Two TV mini-series, Blue & Gray (1982), and North & South (1985) drove interest in reenacting in the early 1980s. Secessionists dominated the Southern half of the state, while Northern California remained predominately pro-Union. It. The game is Captain Morgan's Revenge. Reenacting units staged living histories to explain weapons and uniforms at venues like schools and public parks to recruit new hobbyists. This 18th annual event is sponsored by the California Historical Artillery Society, a nonprofit educational corporation, and Casini Ranch Family Campground. The spirit and history of the American Civil War period will be portrayed by hundreds of reenactors for this annual fun, family-oriented event. While military reenacting is popular in many countries and covering many wars, Civil War Reenacting has been a growing hobby since it began in the 1960's spurred on by the Centennial. This Civil War reenactment features living history reenactors, military and civilian camps, and gun and cannon demonstrations. Civil War reenactments have drawn more attendees after the removal of statues. How to Get Started With Historical Reenacting. Museum, which details the involvement of Aurora in the American Civil War - including an entire wall about the African-American experience - has in the past asked reenactment groups . 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. The desire for freedom traveled deeper than the color of skin and farther than the borders of any state. Civil War battle reenactments have been taking place across the South since the 1960s. Artillery reenactors are expected to know how to work all of the positions of the cannon, which can cost upwards of $15,000 and likely belongs to one person. Sumner said the Civil War shaped the nation in many ways, and its ramifications can still be seen today. The NPS decided that mock battles detracted from the commemorative nature of the battlefields. I had people on the northern side. We are a union company proudly stationed in the San Francisco Bay area and around Northern California. In addition to his passion for Civil War history, he plays the Great Highland Bagpipes and Uilleann pipes. Bank cards are not accepted on the day of the event. Leather Accessories Package. Reenacting is at a cross-roads. 4th Alabama Cavalry, Co. F (Dismounted/Mounted) - Located in West Central Alabama and members of the 1st Division of Southern Reenactors. Duncan Mills, CA - July 16, 2017: Unidentified participants at Northern California`s largest Civil war reenactments and one of the largest west of the Mississippi. Oct. 1, 9am - 5pm, First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton, IL Plan to join us for a combination of historical analysis on the first year of the Civil War combined with living history displays and outdoor activities. Northern California's largest civil war reenactment and one of the largest reenactments west of the Mississippi! Reenactments are typically held on battlefields or other historic sites, and they often include authentic period dress, weapons, and equipment. On-site parking is available for $5 per car, cash only. Even before the war began, California played an important role in the fight over slavery, as events here helped to set the stage for war. 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. If you're not familiar with what "living history" means, this is a term that Civil War reenactors use to describe their hobby of dressing up in Union and Confederate uniforms and acting out . Fact #7: While no battles were fought within the state of California, there are a number of Civil War sites in California including, forts, camps, and prisons. Reenactor carries his water and weapon after participating in the annual Civil War battle reenactment July 3, 2005 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 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. San Benito Civil War Days - National Civil War Association San Benito County Historical Park, 8300 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos, California The morning of Friday the 17th is reserved for a school day. Throughout California there were a number of Camps and Forts used for Pro-Union state militias and the Union Army. The United States Marines wear distinctive crossed white belts. 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. Civil War Reenacting makes an effort to list the websites of reenacting units, but, as might be expected, many units are not listed here. The spirit and history of the American Civil War period will be portrayed by hundreds of reenactors for this annual fun, family-oriented event. 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. The National Civil War Association seeks to explore the myriad of historical narratives tied up in the American Civil War, and to bring those narratives to life for the education of all Americans and Californians. But in fact, staged battles began while the war was still underway. It attracted nearly 200 people. Reenactors enjoy camping, cooking over an open fire, guns, loud noises, marching, military discipline, and telling stories. That is what reenacting is all about; trying to live for a weekend like a Civil War soldier or civilian to figure out how they did it. This 16th annual event is sponsored by the California Historical Artillery Society, a nonprofit educational corporation, and Casini Ranch Family Campground. Civil War Re-Enactment Duncan Mills 2017. Civil War Re-Enactment, Union Soldiers. A reenactment planned in Elk Grove, Calif. was recently cancelled due to local gun laws. Marches can range from a mile or so from camp to the battlefield to more than 20 miles at special events. Gettysburg Civil War Battle Reenactment | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Pre-event discount tickets are available at: Casini Ranch Campground in Duncans Mills and Good to Go Military in Cotati. File photo of a Revolutionary War reenactment. Some civilian reenactors may choose to portray professions such as mortician or battlefield surgeon with some women roaming the field as nurses. The participants are primarily from reenactor organizations based in Southern California. Berdans Sharpshooters were a Federal unit of sharpshooters who wore dark green uniforms as an early form of camouflage. I had people on the southern side that died. This 16th annual event is sponsored by the California Historical Artillery Society, a nonprofit educational corporation, and Casini Ranch Family Campground. 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. Many Civil War reenactors are gearing up for a round of 150th anniversary encampments to begin in 2011 at South Carolina's Fort Sumter. Only a handful of men will make generals and they must know how to command at that level. When everything happened in 2020, I think what really pushed me to really want to go for the reenactments is to try to better help people understand the history, Christopher Re, who has begun documenting the reenactments, said. Reenacting units are organized in some of the same ways as Civil War companies and regiments. The financial prowess of the state's rich gold mines and pro-Union business elite would ensure the success of the Northern war effort by keeping it well-funded. They're not works of art, and they are not historical, Rose said. You may not think of California when you think of the Civil War, but the war deeply divided Californians as it did the rest of the country. The NCWA reenacts the famous battles of the Eastern Front, as well as the lesser-known conflict in the Pacific Theater, which was instrumental in directing the development of California. Many of the Civil War reenactments in Northern California were created by NCWA members. There is no poll showing where reenactors live, but observation would put a majority of them in The South. Confederate Zouaves called Louisiana Tigers wear striped baggy pants. While reenactors do like authenticity, they draw the line at paying upwards of $30 for registration fees, but finding over-flowing port-a-johns by Sunday morning. CW Books & Media. The Battle of Glorieta Pass was fought on March 26-28, 1862 as reinforcements from California arrived. Just about anyone with an interest in reenactment can become a reenactor. Civil War (1861-65) Reenactment & Reproductions; No bank cards are accepted on the day of the event. But all agree that Civil War reenacting isn't what it was. Are there any Confederate monuments in California? Women reenactors portraying soldiers are not uncommon, just as there were women in ranks during the Civil War. CIVIL WAR DAYS brings together members of the National Civil War Association, the American Civil War Association, and other groups from throughout the western United States. 8 x 10 ships priority mail. These living historians create a remarkable educational experience that will thrill and delight people of all ages. 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 a reenactment, a persona is a character and role that you choose to portray. Contact Information - Eddie Sullivan, 205-792-2362 or at the4thalabamacav@yahoo.com. They are wondering if sleeping on the ground is as much fun as it was when they were young. You can visit the camps of the Union and Confederacy and see how civilians lived and served with the armies of 1863 in what was referred to as the first modern war. Camping with ones friends can be an attractive incentive to pack up the gear and drive away rather than staying home doing chores. 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. The 150th Manassas, Virginia event was held when the temperature on the field was 114 degrees. Units of mainstreamers may number from 20 to 100. Some units have fifers and drummers. Perhaps a particular company or regiment in the war had distinctive uniforms. There are a wide variety of canteens including wooden ones that Confederate soldiers carried, but which would not be appropriate for Union soldiers. Living Histories at original battlefields are by invitation by the National Park Service or the states that also maintain battlefields. It's still things that we need to remember, she said. The thinking is that events where only several hundred troops are participating can be much more manageable and affordable to stage than the huge events that required hundreds of acres of land for the reenactment itself, plus parking for thousands of participants and spectators. I Delaware Florida 3 rd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Co. A Georgia 3 rd Georgia Volunteer Infantry 5th Georgia Regiment Reenactors 7 th Georgia Cavalry 28 th Georgia Infantry, Co. G Illinois 10 th Illinois Volunteer Infantry A haversack, a kind of handbag worn over the left shoulder, is generally black. While the uniforms are generallywelluniform, hats (at least for Confederate portrayals) can be a matter of personal choice. 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. Civilian reenactors are the least expensive impressions to achieve, and have the most flexibility since the clothes chosen can range from elegant to simple.