American Civil War reenactment
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An "American Civil War reenactment" is an effort to recreate a particular battle or similar event associated with the American Civil War by hobbyists known (in the United States) as Civil War reenactors.
Contents |
[edit] History
Reenacting began during the 1961-1965 Civil War centennial commemorations. These battles and events found a receptive audience, but public interest in reenactments faded by the late 1960's. Living history reenacting grew in the 1980's and 1990's, due to the popularity of the 125th Anniversary Battles series (1986-1990) and the 130th Anniversary Battles series (1991-1995). Recently many historic battles and events were re-created during the 140th Anniversary Battles series (2001-2005). Currently, the (2006-2010) 145th battles Anniversary series is set to include more realistic reenactments of major battles such as Antietam and Gettysburg. The re-enactments can often take on a religious sense of a sacrament or memory.
[edit] Participation
American Civil War reenactments have drawn a fairly sizable following of enthusiastic participants, aged often between 8 and 64, willing to brave the elements and expend money and resources in their efforts to duplicate the events down to the smallest recorded detail. Participants may even attend classes put on by event sponsors where they learn how to dress, cook, eat, and even "die" just as real Civil War soldiers would have. Most reenactment have anywhere from 100-1,000 participants, portraying either Union or Confederate infantry, artillery, or cavalry forces. To date the largest Civil War reenactment was the 135th Gettysburg (1998), which had over 41,000 reenactors and over 45,000 spectators attending.
Reasons given for participating in such activities vary. Some participants are interested in getting a historical perspective on the turbulent times that gripped the nation, particularly if they can trace their ancestry back to those who fought in the war. Others participate merely for the escapism that such events offer. Some commentators have suggested that Southerners are drawn to these activities for political reasons, because they represent a rejection of the North. Often, however, this is a false stereotype. In fact, some are Northerners that may have been "sympathetic" to the Southerners, who are often outnumbered in events in the North. In some cases, if there are not enough Union soldiers present, Confederate soldiers are asked to change sides, or become galvanized yankees, for the day/event.
Some people are interested in reenacting other historical events, such as Revolutionary War battles, but Civil War reenactment is by far the most popular activity in this area. However, when reenacting the American Civil War many users have an established inference that their modicum operandi must be based on historical particulars such as period correct documentation and other things.
[edit] The Types of Reenactors
There are thought to be three types of Reenactors.
[edit] Farbs
Some, called "Farbs," are thought to have an idea of period dress that is so modern as to be silly. They would march out into the Reenactment wearing blue jeans and boots. Some reenactors, however, say that the term Farb means "Far Be it for me to question his impression." An alternative definition is " Far be it from authentic".
[edit] Stitch Counter
Another type of reenactor is the "Stitch-Counter". These Reenactors are on the opposite end of the spectrum from Farbs. They try to recreate life in the Civil war to the fullest, right down to the hand made shirts. They are called stitch-counters, as they have been known to count the number of stitches in an item of clothing to determine its period appropriateness. A common derogatory term for such a reenactor is a "Button-Pisser," due to the fact some will soak their uniform buttons in boiling urine to get the "accurate" luster, or patina, seen on old uniforms found in museums.
[edit] Mainstreammer
The last type of reenactor really doesn't have an official label, but is often called the "Mainstreamer." These reenactors are somewhere between farb and stitch-counter. They are more common than either farb, or stitch counters, and some of them are more concerned with educating the public, than with "looking appropriate."
[edit] Types of Civil War reenactments
There are four main categories of Civil War reenacments.
[edit] Living histories
Living histories are meant entirely for the education of the public. Such events do not necessarily have a mock battle but instead are aimed at portraying the life, and more importantly the lifestyle, of the average Civil War soldier. This does include civilian reenacting, a growing trend. Occasionally, a spy trial is recreated, too. More common are weapons demonstration, however.
[edit] Public demonstrations
Public demonstrations are smaller mock battles put on by reenacting organizations and/or private parties primarily to show the public how people in the 1860s lived, and to show the public civil war battles. The battles are often only loosely based on actual battles.
[edit] Tactical battles
Tactical battles are battles that are generally not open to the public. Tactical battles are fought like real battles with both sides coming up with strategies and tactics to beat their opponents. Since there is no script, the battle tends follow the same course an original battle might. Winning or losing is determined by referees, sometimes called "angels of death", who determine the effectiveness of the tactics used and the casualties inflicted. Occasionally, referees are provided by the United States Army, most notably instructors from Fort Knox.
[edit] Scripted battles
Scripted battles are larger battles, and are usually fought either at the original battle ground, or at a place very similar to the original. In scripted battles, the battles are planned out beforehand so that the companies and regiments make the same actions that the were taken in the original battles. As growing numbers of reenactors begin to attend events, the tendency is toward scripted battles simply due to safety and logistics concerns as well as the enjoyment of the spectators and those involved.
[edit] External links
- CivilWarP.com - The Worlds Largest Collection of Civil War Reenactment Photos
- The Civil War Reenactor's homepage
- Western Brigade Homepage for Civil War Re-enactment groups
- Home Page for North South Alliance of Re-enactors and First Federal and Confederate
- Homepage for Authentic Civil War Living Historians Divisions
- Home Page for the National Civil War Association, a Northern California based organization
