| The authenticity of Civil War reenactments is of | | | | weapons are fashioned in the authentic period |
| extreme importance to many Americans who | | | | design, and the North and South armies usually |
| regard them as an important means, not only of | | | | had their own style of weapons due to the styles |
| participating in an enjoyable activity, but also of | | | | of the different armorors used by the different |
| keeping alive the history of the period. | | | | sides. |
| Reenactments are carried out all over the USA | | | | However, weapons frequently changed hands in |
| by adults and children of all ages, and many, | | | | battle, and while authentic weapons are available, |
| known as 'stitch counters' try to have every | | | | the guns, swords and sabres tended to be a little |
| aspect as authentic as possible, even down to the | | | | mixed by the time peace came. The Confederate |
| number of stitches in the uniforms. In fact it is | | | | weapon manufacturers often copied the designs |
| not restricted to the USA, though most take | | | | of the Union army, though designs in Civil,War |
| place in the Southern states for obvious reasons. | | | | revolvers and sabres, for example, can still be |
| There are Civil War groups in Canada, and even in | | | | purchased in the styles traditional for both sides. |
| the United Kingdom, where several reenactment | | | | In general you should aim for as high a degree of |
| groups are currently active. | | | | authenticity as you can find, or even afford, and |
| There are different forms of reenactments, | | | | many of the authentic antique artifacts used in |
| ranging from the completely orchestrated or | | | | actual battle are highly prized by those to whom |
| choreographed, to free style battles where tactics | | | | Civil War reenactments are a way of life. It is |
| are redrawn and the battles re fought, the | | | | often a matter of personal pride, when it comes |
| winners not being known until the battle is over. | | | | to gatherings of different units, to be as authentic |
| The most common, however, are those that are | | | | as possible with as many period possessions as |
| true replays of the original battles, with | | | | you own on show. |
| sometimes thousands of participants fighting | | | | This period of American history is very popular, |
| before spectators. | | | | probably due to the fact that Americans were |
| Authenticity ranges from the fore mentioned | | | | fighting Americans, and the two styles of uniform |
| stitch counters to free-style dressers who fight in | | | | were so different and distinctive. There were also |
| t-shirts and jeans, though most groups frown on | | | | a large number of fellow countrymen killed over a |
| this. The uniforms are generally as authentic as | | | | short period time, and the number of battles |
| possible, and each unit generally has its own style | | | | fought provide untold possibilities for reenactment. |
| of dress. If you are interested in taking part, you | | | | These are the same reasons for reenactments |
| are best to find a unit to join before you think of | | | | of the battles of the English Civil war also being |
| what particular Civil War uniform to buy. Once | | | | popular. |
| you have joined you will be informed what kind of | | | | There is more to this acivity than just acting out |
| uniform you will require to fit in with the unit. That | | | | old battles. The social events are very diverse |
| is much easier than purchasing a uniform than | | | | and popular, and people who take part seem to |
| trying to find a unit that wears it! | | | | love dressing up in late 19th century fashions. |
| Some reenactments are weekend affairs, with | | | | Participants travel all over the country to take |
| authentic social events being held the evening | | | | part, and many specialize in specific battles. Others |
| before the battles. The food and cooking | | | | are less fussy, and even join whatever side is the |
| techniques are also frequently authentic, as are | | | | most short of soldiers. One week they might be |
| the styles of dancing and dress worn by the men | | | | a Union cavalryman and the next a Confederate |
| and women prior to kitting up for the battle. The | | | | foot soldier. |