Who Can Do It?
First, there is no age requirement for being a re-enactor, but a person has to be convinced that he or she has what it takes to accept the living conditions of a living-history event. Once that criterion is satisfied, find a “good” unit to join, one that provides its members with the motivation to return time and time again. If you’re interested in participating as a Civil War soldier then the following list represents an approximation of what it should cost for your uniform and equipment.
The Cost
Infantryman - $1,700 |
Officer - $2,800 |
|---|---|
Brogans - $95 |
Boots/spurs/straps - $300 |
Socks (3) - $30 |
Socks (3) - $30 |
Drawers (3) - $60 |
Drawers (3) - $60 |
Trousers (2) - $200 |
Trousers (2) - $240 |
Suspenders - $15 |
Suspenders - $15 |
Belt/buckle - $25 |
Belt/buckle - $35 |
Shirts (3) - $105 |
Shirts/cuff links (3) - $150 |
Vest - $85 |
Vest - $85 |
Jacket/Chevrons - $95 |
Shell Jacket with shoulder boards - $290 |
| Frock Coat with accessories - $325 | |
Hat/Insignia - $53 |
Slouch hat/insignia/gold cord - $86 |
Wallet - $20 |
Wallet - $20 |
Haversack - $16 |
Gloves - $45 |
Poncho - $50 |
Poncho - $50 |
Musket/bayonet - $550 |
Revolver .44/holster - $350 |
Bayonet scabbard - $25 |
Sword/scabbard/belt - $385 |
Cartridge box - $50 |
Cap box/belt - $40 |
| Flask - $30 | |
Canteen - $50 |
Canteen - $50 |
Blankets (2) - $104 |
Blankets (2) $104 |
Mess kit - $30 |
Mess kit - $30 |
Critics Ask “Why?”
The critics of reenactments often wonder why anyone would want to commemorate such a bloody war in the first place, let alone the absurdity of grown men putting on wool uniforms and running around shooting blanks at each other. The truth is the practitioners of reenactments love it - and for a variety of reasons. Some enjoy the social life and the friends they encounter, while for others it’s the chance to gain a historical prospective of those turbulent times. And there are those who consider it educational and in the public interest. Some do it for the escapism they experience, others to preserve this most important phase in our nation’s history. Most of them, however, simply think the whole experience is just a lot of fun. If you’re a Civil War buff, visit the next reenactment near you. And don’t be surprised if you get hooked.