As a reenactor for 3 years now, my favorite part is the evening time after the civilians leave, and we sit around the camp fire singing period songs and listening to the old reenactors tell "war" stories from when they were young reenactors. It never gets old.
Our daughter has been a CW reenactor for over 15 years so my wife and I have been attending events for 15+ years, and have just become reenactors ourselves. Anyway, one thing that is a little non-period are all the overweight men in uniform. Yes, there were a few big guys during the war but most men were fairly quickly forced by lack of food into being rail thin and gaunt. I'm not rail thin myself and I very much appreciate the work, money and dedication of the reenactors.
That is definitely one of the few farb things that happens! In my own experience as well being with the 69th PA is the amount of alcohol we have with us!
Lost my watch at a party once. Saw a guy stepping on it while sexually harassing a girl. I walked up to the dude, punched him straight in the nose. No one does that to a girl, not on my watch.
I have a lot more respect for Abe Lincoln now that I know he was a vampire slayer. I just wish he would have lived long enough to the the Twilight vampires.
Thank you Fernando Gomez for articulating the stoke factor of other peoples interest. Especially the part at 5:33 - 5:53, the way he conveyed his passion was spot on to me and I wholeheartedly agree with his philosophy. Good job Subculture for finding interesting people worth listening to.
+Sammy C go to a event and walk through the camps and talk to the reenactors, im a former reenactor did it from 97-2000 it was alot of fun, they are always looking for new members
+Sammy C Yep. As mentioned, go to events. Walk through the camps and ask questions. Groups are always looking for recruits. See what branch of service interests you ... infantry, cavalry, artillery, civilian, medical, etc. A good group will be able to outfit you in loaner gear, try a few out, see if you like it. Just remember, not all groups are the same. Just don't run out and spend any money on uniforms and equipment until you do research. Many reenactors and sutlers (merchants at events) will give you bad advice on what is authentic and what isn't.
ya'll should come out east and check out what we have out here. Talk about super period battles, impressions and more. Rear Rank Productions events are the best in the hobby right now. The BGA Gettysburg will be just as good next year!
We don't plan on who dies usually...in bigger events there might be some planning..but generally you can tell when your being aimed at..or just when the time seems right
Because the vast, vast majority of us are older, out of shape history buffs who have the financial wherewithal to do this. It is the 'proper living historians' such as yourself who tend to take the joy out of this by not wanting us to even think of being seen in public.
if you run out of ammo, then you go down when shot at. Also, your company's captain may give the order to start taking hits, depending on the scenario.
I'm not a reenactor, but I'd assume that it would depend on the battle. If it was supposed ti be of Gettysburg or Chanslorsville (I spelled that wrong), then they'd probably be as close as possible to the real thing. If it isn't of a major battle, they'd probably just go for it.
Many of us "galvanize" which means we carry uniforms for both sides in case the numbers are too lopsided. Although I was a Union cavalry captain last Sunday at the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove, which took place on the actual battlefield in Arkansas, on Saturday, I was a regular Confederate trooper. Union is my first choice but I honor the memory of all Americans who sacrificed so much for their beliefs, which changed the course our country.
what would be really sweet is if the guns actually fired some kind of projectile and not just smoke. That way they could actually determine a victor...
Well, I'm a reenactor in the Northwest, so how it usually goes is we decide who is going to win, but that's about it. Its not that uncommon for the side that is supposed to win loses instead. Out east they do historical reenactments of specific battles as well, which is more scripted.
@Getysbg there is a simple solution to that, do some research and buy period correct items. Don't try to look like other reenactors, try to look like the real soldiers did; then you won't be embarrassed to be seen in public. Even if you are out of shape (as most are), that is no excuse to wear farby uniforms and equipment or do the best you can where you can.
I am a Southerner and I find it offensive that people equate the Confederacy to Nazi Germany. I am proud of my ancestors who fought for their freedom, not for racist ideals as many believe. It is unconceivable that 250,000+ Southerners gave their lives to defend the institution of slavery, which was already beginning to be phased out by industrialization. The Confederacy was intended to be what the United States had ceased to be. A union of sovereign states united to provide mutual support.
Why the men fought and what started the war are two different things. Each of the seven original states sent two reps ( before the war) to the remaining six Southern state legislatures. Thirteen of the fourteen mentioned the Northern threat to slavery in the first five paragraphs. Last one waited until the end of his speech. As far as 'phasing out' it was the invention of the cotten gin that saved slavery in the early 1800's or it would have been gone then.
Cheers for the reply. What I meant was, if you want to be a Confederate re en actor then surely there is a racist reason behind that. I'd like to go around dressed as a Nazi (the uniforms were dapper) BUT I'd be labelled as a racist for doing so. I find it hard to comprehend that it's ok to fly the Confederate flag in America.
it seems like everytime ecspecially through the 150th's they have the great amasipator even in alabama and georgia i dont even believe lincoln even set foot in georgia!!!
As a reenactor for 3 years now, my favorite part is the evening time after the civilians leave, and we sit around the camp fire singing period songs and listening to the old reenactors tell "war" stories from when they were young reenactors. It never gets old.
A friend of mine and his Dad do these reenactments every year. He loves it!
Abe looks really good
Reeenactment is for my the perfect hobby for learning and bonding
Our daughter has been a CW reenactor for over 15 years so my wife and I have been attending events for 15+ years, and have just become reenactors ourselves.
Anyway, one thing that is a little non-period are all the overweight men in uniform. Yes, there were a few big guys during the war but most men were fairly quickly forced by lack of food into being rail thin and gaunt.
I'm not rail thin myself and I very much appreciate the work, money and dedication of the reenactors.
That is definitely one of the few farb things that happens! In my own experience as well being with the 69th PA is the amount of alcohol we have with us!
The best part of the event is catching in to battle. Hearing the orders and people running around getting ready..I get nervous every time
Lost my watch at a party once. Saw a guy stepping on it while sexually harassing a girl. I walked up to the dude, punched him straight in the nose. No one does that to a girl, not on my watch.
I see what you did there..
very well done. The re enactors interviewed did a good job of explaining themselves and the hobby.
I have a lot more respect for Abe Lincoln now that I know he was a vampire slayer. I just wish he would have lived long enough to the the Twilight vampires.
Thank you Fernando Gomez for articulating the stoke factor of other peoples interest. Especially the part at 5:33 - 5:53, the way he conveyed his passion was spot on to me and I wholeheartedly agree with his philosophy. Good job Subculture for finding interesting people worth listening to.
The reinactment abe licoln came to my school
How can you join a civil war reenactment group? I really want to join one.
Google it depending on where you live
+Sammy C go to a event and walk through the camps and talk to the reenactors, im a former reenactor did it from 97-2000 it was alot of fun, they are always looking for new members
+Sammy C Yep. As mentioned, go to events. Walk through the camps and ask questions. Groups are always looking for recruits. See what branch of service interests you ... infantry, cavalry, artillery, civilian, medical, etc. A good group will be able to outfit you in loaner gear, try a few out, see if you like it. Just remember, not all groups are the same. Just don't run out and spend any money on uniforms and equipment until you do research. Many reenactors and sutlers (merchants at events) will give you bad advice on what is authentic and what isn't.
ya'll should come out east and check out what we have out here. Talk about super period battles, impressions and more. Rear Rank Productions events are the best in the hobby right now. The BGA Gettysburg will be just as good next year!
RIP, Uncle Billy. You are missed.
We don't plan on who dies usually...in bigger events there might be some planning..but generally you can tell when your being aimed at..or just when the time seems right
Because the vast, vast majority of us are older, out of shape history buffs who have the financial wherewithal to do this. It is the 'proper living historians' such as yourself who tend to take the joy out of this by not wanting us to even think of being seen in public.
if you run out of ammo, then you go down when shot at. Also, your company's captain may give the order to start taking hits, depending on the scenario.
At 4:12 that is a jar of Mt. Olive Pickles I know that label anywhere, my grandpa worked there for 33 years
I'm not a reenactor, but I'd assume that it would depend on the battle. If it was supposed ti be of Gettysburg or Chanslorsville (I spelled that wrong), then they'd probably be as close as possible to the real thing. If it isn't of a major battle, they'd probably just go for it.
"a little non-period": And the wristwatch on the Union cav guy...
Any idea where I can get old, used Union and Confederate Privates unions for a short film ?
Many of us "galvanize" which means we carry uniforms for both sides in case the numbers are too lopsided. Although I was a Union cavalry captain last Sunday at the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove, which took place on the actual battlefield in Arkansas, on Saturday, I was a regular Confederate trooper. Union is my first choice but I honor the memory of all Americans who sacrificed so much for their beliefs, which changed the course our country.
Love the Rome Total War music..!
So wait, are the battles planned or do the attacks randomly happen?
It looks like they sought out the worst reenactors they could find when making this video. No attempt at quality or historical accuracy whatsoever.
Does anyone know how they plan who's wounded, who dies, etc? Love to know :)
I REALLY WANT TO DO THIS!
The music at 3:27 is from Rome Total War?!
awesome video! too cool.
I didn't see one pair of period correct braces (suspenders)
what would be really sweet is if the guns actually fired some kind of projectile and not just smoke. That way they could actually determine a victor...
Why is Abe saying the Gettysburg Address in California?
Also how do tell if you die or not?
thancks
that Abraham Lincoln guy's ears are MASSIVE
If you still read the comments, please change "Calvary" to "Cavalry" at 6:23 in the video. Cavalry are men on horses, Calvary is a hill in Jerusalem.
Well, I'm a reenactor in the Northwest, so how it usually goes is we decide who is going to win, but that's about it. Its not that uncommon for the side that is supposed to win loses instead. Out east they do historical reenactments of specific battles as well, which is more scripted.
@Getysbg there is a simple solution to that, do some research and buy period correct items. Don't try to look like other reenactors, try to look like the real soldiers did; then you won't be embarrassed to be seen in public. Even if you are out of shape (as most are), that is no excuse to wear farby uniforms and equipment or do the best you can where you can.
HOLY SHIT! 3:23 that's my Lieutenant!
+Matt McAvay He needs to upgrade his sutler row kepi.
+Nerfball6 But that's cool that you found him in the video.
There are now less than 7,000
TheSouthron98 Really?
wise words
Preach it!!! - from a Yankee with rebel roots
I am a Southerner and I find it offensive that people equate the Confederacy to Nazi Germany. I am proud of my ancestors who fought for their freedom, not for racist ideals as many believe. It is unconceivable that 250,000+ Southerners gave their lives to defend the institution of slavery, which was already beginning to be phased out by industrialization. The Confederacy was intended to be what the United States had ceased to be. A union of sovereign states united to provide mutual support.
Why the men fought and what started the war are two different things. Each of the seven original states sent two reps ( before the war) to the remaining six Southern state legislatures. Thirteen of the fourteen mentioned the Northern threat to slavery in the first five paragraphs. Last one waited until the end of his speech. As far as 'phasing out' it was the invention of the cotten gin that saved slavery in the early 1800's or it would have been gone then.
is that really abraham lincoln?
They are so unauthentic
+Jonathan Warden Yes, lots of farbiness at that event.
Nice watch Lt Col Sherman... Why don't these videos ever go and find proper living historians rather than mainstream reenactors?
I know a reenactor who is a Union soldier and a Nazi.
I did not see me.
Cheers for the reply. What I meant was, if you want to be a Confederate re en actor then surely there is a racist reason behind that. I'd like to go around dressed as a Nazi (the uniforms were dapper) BUT I'd be labelled as a racist for doing so. I find it hard to comprehend that it's ok to fly the Confederate flag in America.
What I am trying to say is if the Northern reenactors get themselves a President where is Jefferson Davis?
because they are all from the west coast
It would be interesting to see if any black people would be willing to play the part of slaves or men reenacting what the black soldiers went through.
Shot
Planned, but loosely scripted depending on the event.
Civil War- Americans
it seems like everytime ecspecially through the 150th's they have the great amasipator even in alabama and georgia i dont even believe lincoln even set foot in georgia!!!
paratrooper502 I think in my own opinion that it was just for role play that they do that.
Well....they have one thing in common...they both lost.
Farby, farby, farby. Horrible reenactors
How do you know if your shoy? Lol