How to Be in a Civil War Reenactment – Prices & Cost
Ballpark Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000
The early 1860s was a time unparalleled in U.S. history. Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency, the South seceded from the Union, and before long the country was at war with itself, the North against the South, kin against kin, brother against brother. The North called it the War of the Rebellion. To the South it was the War Between the States. To everyone, however, it became known as the American Civil War, the most significant historical event in the history of the nation. In the end, slavery was outlawed, the country was reunited under one flag, and some 600,000 soldiers had lost their lives.
Since then, not only has the historical aspects of the Civil War captured the imagination of millions, but also the social and cultural perception of that time-period itself. Since the 100th Civil War centennial commemoration, interest in preserving this most important and fascinating period in our history has steadily grown. This enormous interest developed into a program where “Union and Confederate soldiers”, along with their artillery, cavalry, and mounted commanders, engaged in a mock battlefield conflict that brought back to life every historical detail of a Civil War battle.
Reenactments Attempt to Stay True to History
Today, Civil War battle reenactments are held throughout the country. But there’s much more involved than just recreating the artillery fire, the reverberating discharge of hundreds of muskets, and the battle cries of charging cavalry and infantry troops as they clash and “die” on the battlefield. Reenactment enthusiasts of all ages, from eight to sixty-five, are also willing to endure the elements, the expense, and the time to duplicate the civilian aspect of living in a Civil War era camp. Their custom-made clothes, like the uniforms on the troops in the field, are as close to authentic as the real thing. They cook their period-style meals exactly as it was done in an 1860s army camp, their eating utensils are reproductions of the original tin versions, and they sleep under the same conditions as everyone did in a Civil War bivouac. The so-called serious “hard cores” are even known to leave reality completely behind by thinking and speaking as though they were actually experiencing life in a Civil War era camp.
Entertainment is also a large part of the reenactment experience. For instance, there are artillery demonstrations, at times with authentic Civil War guns, infantry drills, mule rides, rope making, leatherwork exhibitions, craft shows, lectures, book signings, vintage fashion shows, quilting, and of course the Civil War Ball complete with period music, attire, and dances. It goes without saying that the mother of all Civil War battle reenactments is the annual affair at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Held over three days every July, in 1998 the largest Civil War reenactment to date drew over 41,000 participants and over 45,000 spectators. Too many of the participants, the mere presence as a spectator to a Civil War battle reenactment may have been just the motivation they needed to consider joining the fraternity of these “Living-History” aficionados. But what does a person have to do to take part and what will be the approximate cost just to get started?
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
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Officer – $2,800
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Brogans – $95
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Boots/spurs/straps – $300 |
Socks (3) – $30
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Socks (3) – $30 |
Drawers (3) – $60
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Drawers (3) – $60 |
Trousers (2) – $200
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Trousers (2) – $240 |
Suspenders – $15
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Suspenders – $15 |
Belt/buckle – $25
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Belt/buckle – $35 |
Shirts (3) – $105
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Shirts/cuff links (3) – $150 |
Vest – $85
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Vest – $85 |
Jacket/Chevrons – $95
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Shell Jacket with shoulder boards – $290 |
Frock Coat with accessories – $325 | |
Hat/Insignia – $53
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Slouch hat/insignia/gold cord – $86 |
Wallet – $20
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Wallet – $20 |
Haversack – $16
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Gloves – $45 |
Poncho – $50
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Poncho – $50 |
Musket/bayonet – $550
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Revolver .44/holster – $350 |
Bayonet scabbard – $25
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Sword/scabbard/belt – $385 |
Cartridge box – $50
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Cap box/belt – $40 |
Flask – $30 | |
Canteen – $50
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Canteen – $50 |
Blankets (2) – $104
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Blankets (2) $104 |
Mess kit – $30
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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.