Historical - Civil War

The American Civil War

More specifically, the American Civil War, is a reenactment in the effort to recreate the appearance of a particular battle or other event associated with the American Civil War by hobbyists known (in the United States) as Civil War reenactors or Civil War recreationists.

Although most common in the United States, there are also American Civil War reenactors in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. As well, even though there are many periods that are reenacted around the world - civil wars of other countries, Renaissance, WWII, etc. - the American Civil War reenactment is, by far, the most popular activity in the US, with an estimated 50,000 Civil War reenactors as of 2000.

Origins

Reenacting the American Civil War actually began even before the real fighting had ended. Civil War veterans recreated battles as a way to remember their fallen comrades and to teach others what the war was all about. The Great Reunion of 1913, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and was attended by more than 50,000 Union and Confederate veterans, and included reenactments of elements of the battle.

Modern reenacting is thought to have begun during the 1961-1965 Civil War centennial commemorations. Reenacting grew in popularity during the 1980's and 1990's, due in large part to the success of the 125th Anniversary reenactment near the original Manassas battlefield, which was attended by more than 6,000 reenactors. That year, Time Magazine estimated that there were more than 50,000 reenactors in the US.

Reenactors

Reenactors are commonly divided (or self-divide) into three categories, based on the level of concern for authenticity.

Farbs - as some are called or "polyester soldiers" are reenactors who spend relatively little of their time or money maintaining authenticity with regard to uniforms, accessories, or even period behavior. The 'Good Enough' attitude is pervasive among farbs, although even casual observers may be able to point out flaws. Blue jeans, tennis shoes, polyester (and other man-made fabrics), zippers, velcro, snoods, and modern cigarettes are common issues. We would recommend not doing this as it is has been seen as disrespctful to those portraying the time and those in memory.

Mainstream - as they are often called are another group of reenactors. These reenactors are somewhere between farb and authentic. They are more common than either farbs or authentics.

Most mainstream reenactors make an effort at appearing authentic, but may come out of character in the absence of an audience.

  • Visible stitches are likely to be sewn in a period-correct manner, but hidden stitches and undergarments may not be period-appropriate.
  • Food consumed before an audience is likely to be generally appropriate to the early 1860s, but it may not be seasonally and locally appropriate.
  • Modern items are sometimes used "after hours" or in a hidden fashion. The common attitude is to put on a good show, but that accuracy need only go as far as others can see.

Progressive - are at the other extreme from farbs and are "hard-core authentics" or "progressives," as they prefer to be called. Sometimes derisively called "stitch counters" or even "stitch nazis" because they pay very close attention to details, even down to the stiches in their garments. Many people have misconceptions about hardcore reenactors.

Hard-cores generally seek an "immersive" reenacting experience, trying to live, as much as possible, as someone of the 1860s might have. This includes:

  • eating seasonally and regionally appropriate food,
  • sewing inside seams and undergarments in a period-appropriate manner,
  • and staying in character throughout an event.

Hard-core reenactors generally value thorough research, and sometimes deride mainstream reenactors for perpetuating inaccurate "reenactorisms", such as buttoning only the top button of a uniform jacket/coat, or insisting that a vest, jacket, or coat must be worn over a shirt at all times. More...