How to Reenact

To be a Civil War Reenactor, it requires a commitment of time (going to events and meetings), education (reading about the 19^th and learning about how people lived in the 1860s), and money. The equipment list given below is lengthy and may be daunting to some. Suffice to say that most new reenactors do not purchase all of their gear at once, but over a year or two. Our unit has loaner gear that will allow you to take your time obtaining your gear and still be able to participate in events.

Here is the list:

Essential Items

·         Enlisted man’s Frock coat - dark blue with light blue piping

o   This was a distinctive part of the 19^th’s uniform

o   A dark blue sack coat is a good substitute

            Trousers - usually light blue, but dark blue is ok

      Period braces (suspenders)

          Hardee hat or a period black hat

o  This was also a distinctive part of the 19^th’s uniform

o   Trimmings for the hat include brass bugle, brass “19” and “A”, brass eagle (to hold one side of the hat up if desired), corps badge (red circle for 1^st Division of 1^st Corps, made of either felt or pewter / brass), feather, and blue hat cord

o   How to wear your trimmings are up to you. If you check out pictures of Iron Brigade members during the Civil War, the hat / trimming styles are varied, from no trimmings to regulation (see #1488 and 1489 in the Revised Regulations for the Army of the United States, 1861)

          Period shirt – cotton, collarless and buttons by the neck

            Shoes - black brogans M1858

          Socks - wool or cotton, gray or off-white

         Canteen with wool cover and canvas / leather shoulder strap – better to get a stainless steel one vs. a tin one (tastes better and need minimal care)

      Black waist belt with US oval buckle

      Black cap pouch

          Black cartridge box with sling and US plate

       Weapon: either the M1861 / M1863 Springfield or M1853 Enfield (all three-banded)

o   The M1861 Springfield is historically-correct for the 19^th Indiana, but the modern reproduction can be difficult for the beginner. The Enfield is recommended.

o   This will be your most difficult / expensive purchase as a reenactor. It’s a good idea to ask for help when you are ready to buy one. Typical prices for a new Enfield or Springfield is ~$700 and ~$300 to ~$500 for used.

o   Cleaning gear for the weapon will also be needed.

      Bayonet for your weapon

o   Buy this after you get your weapon, so you can make sure it will fit.

          Bayonet scabbard – the Springfield style is better than the Enfield      

      Canvas Tent

o   Shelter half or “dog tent” with wood poles – easy to transport and more period-correct

o   A-frame with wood poles – more space

Nonessential Items (but good to have)

          Eating / Cooking

o   Fork (three – prong), knife, and spoon

o   Tin or stainless steel cup or mucket

o   Plate – a pie plate or a canteen-half works well

o   Period frying pan

          Haversack – for utensils or your period food

         Greatcoat – for cold nights in camp

         Wool blanket / quilt  

      Rubber poncho – for rainy days

          White gloves – for dress parade

         Pocket watch – battery or wind-up

       Wood boxes

o   Storage for your gear

o   Food storage – you can make a cooler by obtaining a large box from a craft store and cutting Styrofoam down to size