Dragoon

[charliegold]

I went to an event this week with 1850s dragoon coat, trousers boots etc. Was expecting other reenactors. None. I think I mentioned this before so if I did, apologies. BUT, is there anyone here in Oklahoma who has an interest in getting kitted out as a dragoon or mounted rifleman? Haven't gotten much interest. Mostly yawns and 'who cares?'

thx

cg

 

[captaindrew]

What kind of event was it? No other reenactors period or just no dragoons? The problem with such a specific impression is where are you going to use it? It's an expensive hobby to start with, most people are going to start with a good generic US or CS infantry impression. With that you can go anywhere and find a home.

 

[charliegold]

it was the national cavalry competition. funding cuts prevented the mounted guards and teams from fort Reilly, u.k. army mounted teams etc from coming.
made it kind of sparse. not a reenactor in sight. unlike last time.
yes, I painted myself into a corner with that specific impression. was hoping to have new 1854/55 coat for this show but didn't happen in time. the rig was put together with that in mind.
I dunno; was hoping to fit in with some frontiersman/rendezvous guys; maybe fit in with 1840-1850s era groups.

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

I went to an event this week with 1850s dragoon coat, trousers boots etc. Was expecting other reenactors. None. I think I mentioned this before so if I did, apologies. BUT, is there anyone here in Oklahoma who has an interest in getting kitted out as a dragoon or mounted rifleman? Haven't gotten much interest. Mostly yawns and 'who cares?'

thx

cg

There is indeed some 1850's US Dragoon living histories that happen in Oklahoma. Main one I'm aware of is the Fort Towson site near between Idabel and Hugo. There used to be folks portraying them at Fort Washita near Durant in years past, mostly during the Rendezvous, however I don't know if that still happens or not. You won't find any Mounted Rifles though, the Regiment wasn't around.

But I do know some guys are still active at Fort Towson, but the impression is pre-1855 so no orange trim MS jacket. They mostly wear the Mexican War-era uniform and before.

You can find them on FB or contact them directly, they'd most likely be welcoming. Good folks trying to get more interest going from my experience.

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

Just for fun and the thread's sake, here's a link to Civil War Album and a past event, (2005) with the Rendezvous and Dragoon impressions.

Again, I don't know if they still do anything. Post-2015 and Oklahoma is a complicated story with history goings on…

Fur-trade era Rendezvous, Fort Washita

Fur-trade era Rendezvous, Fort Washita

www.civilwaralbum.com

 

[Lampasas Bill]

Check out Ft. Scott, Kansas as well. Its heyday was during the dragoon era. It used to attract reenactors from that period for special events.

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

Check out Ft. Scott, Kansas as well. Its heyday was during the dragoon era. It used to attract reenactors from that period for special events.

This has me asking a question I've been wondering for awhile, does anyone do Bleeding Kansas reenactments?

Kinda related. Dragoons were active during that mess.

 

[charliegold]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I'll pursue it.
cg

 

[7thWisconsin]

The US army is disbanding all of its horse mounted units, so you won't be see them at all. If you have a niche impression, you may have to get comfortable with talking with spectators about your impression and why you've chosen it yourself. I have never heard of any groups doing any border fighting stuff, which kind of crosses the genres of civil war and old west.

 

[Lampasas Bill]

This has me asking a question I've been wondering for awhile, does anyone do Bleeding Kansas reenactments?

Kinda related. Dragoons were active during that mess.

Back in the '90 members of the Missouri Civil War Reenactors' Association did occasional reenactments of the battle of Fort Titus, as well as living history musters depicting the era. It was a good way to encourage members to develop a civilian impression--an important impression to have when you're reenacting in Missouri and Kansas.

 

[charliegold]

"Disbanding". Yes. What a bummer. Really affected the event. Sad.

 

[7thWisconsin]

"Disbanding". Yes. What a bummer. Really affected the event. Sad.

Sad to say, the army had long-time issues with keeping the animals fit and healthy. So, yeah, now they're going away.

 

[Dan Kohli]

I'd love to do the dragoon and mounted rifle sort of stuff, but I don't have that type of budget.

 

[Story]

The US army is disbanding all of its horse mounted units, so you won't be see them at all. If you have a niche impression, you may have to get comfortable with talking with spectators about your impression and why you've chosen it yourself. I have never heard of any groups doing any border fighting stuff, which kind of crosses the genres of civil war and old west.

Army Disbanding Most Ceremonial Horse Units

The Army will begin phasing out five horse-mounted ceremonial units stationed at Fort Irwin, California; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Fort Cavazos Texas, a service spokesperson, told reporters.

www.military.com

I find that a really odd move, considering combat experience over the last 25 years
FM 31-27 PACK ANIMALS IN SUPPORT OF ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES

https://thepeakinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/FM31-27.-Pack-animal-Operations.-pdf.pdf

Marines Need a Few Good Mules

Pack animals offer low-cost, low-signature mobility for expeditionary operations.

www.usni.org

 

[Story]

Poke around the Cowboy Action Shooters forums

Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L - Index

Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L - Index

www.cascity.com

 

[charliegold]

DAN - "I'd love to do the dragoon and mounted rifle sort of stuff, but I don't have that type of budget."

Dan, I have an extra uniform for post-Mexican War for mounted rifles.
It would be nice to have an another dragoon or mounted rifle besides myself.
Jus sayin'.
cg

 

[Dan Kohli]

DAN - "I'd love to do the dragoon and mounted rifle sort of stuff, but I don't have that type of budget."

Dan, I have an extra uniform for post-Mexican War for mounted rifles.
It would be nice to have an another dragoon or mounted rifle besides myself.
Jus sayin'.
cg

The only other hitch is that it's a bit of drive to Oklahoma from Wisconsin to help out. I do have some mounted soldier's equipment that I have acquired from civil war artillery reenacting.

 

[charliegold]

oh man, Wisconsin. That's a road trip. Well it's still nice to have contact with someone whop has a similar interest. Can you share any pics of your stuff?

 

[Dan Kohli]

oh man, Wisconsin. That's a road trip. Well it's still nice to have contact with someone whop has a similar interest. Can you share any pics of your stuff?

Will do.

 

[charliegold]

Awesome. Looking forward,