THE CIVIL WAR: RE-ENACTORS AND THEIR CAMPS

The reenactors are people in a non-profit organization of people who have a strong interest in the Civil War. 

As savage and tragic as this conflict in our young nation was, it represents an important part of our U. S. history, family genealogy, and growth in our country. We often forget about the past.  As I research family genealogy, the past has become more interesting to me.  

The people who put on these events keep things very authentic.  It is so interesting to see the equipment, camps, guns, and such that was used so long ago.  They take great pride in their uniforms and love to demonstrate everything in their camp.  Each brigade can give you historical information.

 There is even a photographer there with equipment like what was used in those days.  You can get an old-fashioned photograph taken of yourself.  Can you imagine lugging this thing around?  

They would carry it around to take photographs during the war.

There are various musicians all around the camp--drummers, fiddlers, flute players, bagpipers, harmonica players and more. Of course, the music played is music of that time.

As I strolled through the camps I noticed that there were several kinds of living quarters.  

The officers had better conditions to live in than the average soldier, but even some of these seemed so basic to me!  The Chaplain had fairly nice quarters

as well (see photo to left).  Yes, reenactors all have roles to play.  Chaplain, foot soldiers, horse soldiers, officers, guards, etc.

I could not imagine living in these small tents during all kinds of weather conditions, let alone during war.

From what I was told, some did not even have this but slept on the ground !

As the officers prepared their plans for battle, a young man stood guard.  When I spoke to him he told me about his rank and duty.

He gave historical information on the Battalion.  I liked that he spoke, not behaving like the guards in London!

I enjoyed wandering around,

peeking into the various tents to see what they held.  It was almost like perusing displays in a museum.

 You can smell gunpowder mixed in with the scents of various foods cooking.  You could see guns and cannonballs.

When an officers wife joined him, they sometimes had beds.

I was surprised at how elaborate this tent seemed from most.  I was told it represented a high ranking officer, and many of those came from rich families.  Who toted all of their belongings around?  I forgot to ask!

Wander through the camp and explore with me....

How do you like this washing machine.  The uniforms looked like wool--way too rough and hot.

Signs were all around the camps.

They were interesting and fun.

Quite an assortment of uniforms from the two sides.

Interesting.

I hope you enjoyed this stroll.  Next I will show the men.