- Joined
- Apr 8, 2018
- Location
- Coffeeville, TX
First off, you don't want to fight in the actual war. Most of us have fallen into that trap at one point or another, and have learned we're better off. For example, infection was dangerous, and a simple scratch could get infected and kill you, also there was diseases that are a thing of the past like smallpox or yellow fever. Then there's the issue of simple modern stuff as simple as a soda being non-existent, even foods we love and take for granted did not exist back then. Also fleas, lice were a constant companion, no one wants that. Then there's the part where your in a bloody war, with a medical department that more than likely won't be able to save you if you get wounded.
Trust me, you'd enjoy yourself much more focusing on reenacting as the ultimate goal, rather than it being all you can get.
As for gear, there have been great suggestions, @Old Breck has had a great list for the beginner campaigner/hardcore reenactor. I myself lie in-between that and the mainstream, and have developed a passion for researching Confederate uniforms, and hand sewing my own uniforms. Its rewarding, but its not for everyone. For you, I would recommend starting out small and building up to that. But remember what everyone else has said, join a unit first, and don't be afraid to use loaner gear or buy used.
One other thing to look out for is cheap Pakistani made junk uniforms. The supposedly all wool uniforms look nothing like what was actually worn in color or cut, don't hold up for long at reenactments, and will roast you alive on a day the temperature rises above 60 degrees. There cheap, and you get what you pay for.
Now for a vendor, I would suggest for a beginner, I would say go with the Blockade Runner. They are mainstream, I suspect some of their uniform items come from Pakistan, (goin by the color of the wool on some of they're uniforms, the color gives that stuff away from a mile away and I'm ninety percent sure some of they're leather goods are foreign made), but uniform wise if you stay with they're jean cloth stuff, you'll do okay looking like someone from the Army of Tennessee. There will be historical issues with the uniform and gear, but again you will look okay from a distance, and its a good spot to start out from.
Another thing to remember when building an impression. GET A UNION UNIFORM!!!!!! I can't stress enough how important it is to have a Union impression at the drop of a hat. Many don't want to be Union, and purposefully refuse to get a Union uniform, and when asked to go blue, or "galvanize" they will kick they're feet and say they can't because they don't have a Union uniform. That is a sorry thing! It makes it to where other units and people who will "galvanize" for the sake of the event have to be da**-yankees all the time and never be Confederate!!!!
Refusal to galvanize is not a victimless crime...
But for anyone who prefers being Confederate, being a Yank for a weekend can be rewarding. You get to watch the Confederates, and you get to be the "bad guy" which is always a lot of fun. I know I thoroughly enjoy it, and I'm sure the same goes for a lot of folks who prefer to be Union when they end up having to be Confederate. I could ramble on, and on but I will move along out of the way, after giving you the most important advice, advice I wish I was given when I started reenacting ages ago.
Don't be afraid to buy the $200 plus brogans make your first item. When I started I bought brogans off "sutler row" for $50 bucks and my feet hated me for it!, I went through several pair, all of them horrible and never lasting long before I discovered Robert Land brogans which I regard as the most comfortable pair of shoes I own period! He's gone from making them, but I would say go ahead and cough up the big bucks for something from Lukas Berg, or Missouri Boot, and Shoe, and carrying several extra pair of socks and you will enjoy reenacting a lot more. Its hard to enjoy yourself when your feet are ready to go to the emergency room.
I apologize for the length, but good luck and enjoy yourself! Reenacting is the best hobby in the world, not just for the fake battles but the comradery in camp.
Bringing the