Civil War Reenactments

Soldiers trudge across the battlefield, their dark blue uniforms wavering in a haze of cannon smoke, battle flag heisted above them. Across the battlefield, soldiers in ragged butternut and gray charge, their horses whinnying and nickering beneath them. Bloodied casualties pile up until a victor finally emerges, just as the smoke clears.

It’s not 1863, and the War Between the States is long past. The scene is a Civil War reenactment, and chances are, there’s one going on near you. Growing in popularity both with Civil War enthusiasts and spectators alike, Civil War reenactments give both those who participate and those who watch a first-hand glimpse of battles of yore, bringing history alive – and dead.

Civil War reenactments were first organized during the mid-1960s to commemorate the centennial of the war. Although their popularity declined during the late 1960s-1970s, reenacting reemerged in the 1980s during the 125th anniversary of the war. Since then, Civil War reenactments have grown to encompass everything from professional, living history reenactments at major battle sites to more amateur reenactments at the sites of minor skirmishes.

There are several kinds of Civil War reenactments, some intended for public viewing, some private. Furthermore, not all Civil War reenactments relive battles. Living history reenactments often portray the life that the common Civil War soldier endured, sometimes with battles, sometimes without. Entire campsites are erected, allowing those who visit to see how a soldier lived during the Civil War era. Events from the Civil War are painstakingly recreated with careful attention to historical detail – hence the name.

The ultimate in historical recreation, the scripted battle will reenact large battles, usually on the site of the original battle or nearby. The reenacting regiments will literally recreate the same battlefield maneuvers that occurred during the original battle.

You have to actually participate to see tactical reenactments of Civil War battles. Meant for hardcore Civil War history buffs and rarely open to the public, in tactical reenactments, both “regiments” come up with their own battle strategies, and the best strategy wins. No word on casualties for these reenactments.

Like living history reenactments, public demonstrations are intended for pubic viewing, and often portray smaller Civil War battles and skirmishes while also including demonstrations of life during the Civil War era. Less historically accurate than living history reenactments, public demonstrations are often produced by amateur historians and reenactors.

If you are interested in seeing a Civil War reenactment, go online and research Civil War battles and skirmishes that occurred nearby. Chances are, it won’t be hard to locate a reenactment, as their popularity has spread to even the smaller skirmish sites.

JEC