The guests at our re-enactments and living-histories have many questions about our doings..A question from a guest to a reenactor, in a reasonable mood, is like a ray of sunshine to a flower. After an event, a reenactor is in a state of bliss/exaustion. (Folks: that means some of us have to leave and some have time to tell you “The Whole Story” in reply to your question.} As performing artists, we invite your questions..As a history buff, I recommend at least two opinions..... Here are some of our favorites:

Q: Are those uniforms hot?

A: Yes, Ma’am, they are. Generaly speakin, in the south, we had mixtures of wool and cotton, depending on local climate and even more, local supply. Many of our uniforms are made od “jean cloth” which is a mixture of wool and cotton. Wool is warmer than Jean Cloth. Virginia Mountains have a cooler climate than Georgia lowlands. We get hot and live with it. We try to stay in the shade. Summer was generally a “time out.” To cool off, open yer jacket from the bottom (and a button on yer fly) You could freeze or sweat fer sure, in these clothes. Would they be worse than any set of clothes off the rack today? Yup, lasr a darn sight longer. In the worst case, in “light marching order”, your bed might include a blanket and hopefully your knapsack would arrive later. Accostumation to the elements, like unto the ancient Celts, made vigorous soldiers as well as many casualties. .

Q: Are those guns real?

A: Yes. Feel the cannon. Try to push it! Darn it’s heavy! What you see here is a museum quality reproduction of a bronze 1841 12 pounder Field Howitzer, after the Tredegar (VA) Foundry pattern. For safety reasons, there is a high-pressure liner in the bore. This cannon can do everything that the original model could do.

Q: Do you use real cannonballs?

A: We do not shoot projectiles unless we are in a competition. Only real black powder. The muzzle blast itself could maim or kill a person standing in an unlucky place (front). Or, if the cannon fires while a cannoneer is loading it with the spongerammer, an arm could be removed. Safety is our primary concern when firing the cannon.

Q: Where do you get your uniforms and equipment?

A: Well, usually you walk before you run. Like, you borrow (difficult for the ladies) enough to begin and feel if you like the reenacting pastime. Then you go to an event and shop at the sutlers. Then perhaps sew your own. There are many options. I always find inspiration, goods and fantasy at Dent Myers (Wildman) Civil War Surplus in Kennesaw, GA. Plaese also see our Links to other sutlers and suppliers.

Q: Why do you re-enact?

A: Ask any reenactor and they will respond. It is good exercise. It is a show of endurance (ask a lady-reenactor about her outfit). It is a time away from this century, a time to let your ancestral blood rise! It is a way to experience history in all (or most of) its nuances. Each reenactor will have his/her reasons,so you should ask.

Q: What is a "Living History" and how is that different from a re-enactment?

A: A living history is a demonstration or encampment that is done for educating the public. These do not include battles. The living histories involve battery-level drilling and firing demonstrations, but may also include camp life, such as cooking over the fire or the making of rounds. Living histories are usually attended by only one side at a time - either Federal or Confederate - and portray the life of a common artillery soldier.

Q: What do ya mean when you say: "take a hit?"

A: “takin' a hit” is a phrase we have borrowed from the Viet Nam War Veterans. This designates a participant who receives (enemy, hopefully) fire and is wounded, killed or otherwise incapacitated in the course of the battle.

Q: How do you know when to take a hit?

A: In a scripted battle, soldiers will die by order. The degree of control varies. A soldier can fall at any time, some inputs being: * When a cannon fires in front of you.
* Thirst
* Overheating
* Pain (barefoot in Olustee FL)
* Stroke
* Run out of Powder

Q: Do you really dress like they dressed during the Civil War?

A: Of course, down to the undergarments, in some cases. Ask the ladies, especially.

Q: Is the food that you eat “authentic”?

A: It sure is, though it is not of the 1860’s vintage. Food from the 1860s (with the exception of some rare adult beverages) is “history.” Fake food is difficult to consume and the plastic makes a lot of smoke and sticks to the pots and pans.

Q: Why do you galvanize?

A: Sure it is difficult and embarassing to reenact a battle and have 1500 Confederates lose to 50 Federals (like Jonesboro “before galvanizing”. When we galvanize, we show the actual proportions involved more authentically and thus any battle will be more faithfully represented. For those of us with no ties to the war, who can afford another uniform, consider it easy, For reenactors with strong family or geographic ties, it can be quite a strain to change uniforms and camps. For the historian, it is instructive to “walk a mile for a camel in another man’s shoes, “ or from the procurement standpoint, “there’s always something.”

Q: Do you really sleep out here?

A: Yes, mostly. Some fancy folks camp in Winnebagos or Holiday Inns. The serious folks will approximate the authentic experience in a way that accomodates their budgets and involvement. In the “authentic” way, the accomodations can vary widely, from “light marching order” with, at most blankets, to shelter-half tents, blankets and tents of different complexity. When the troops had time to erect camps, they would assume a more orderly fashion according to the equipment available to the particular army.

Q: What is it about re-enacting that you enjoy most?

A: Pick your own...