Sophomore reflects on time in the Civil War Renactment

I was Recruited for the Civil War. Captain Thomas Star was the requiting officer for the Union Army, he approached me with the proposition of joining the engagement. I took the opportunity.  He took me to the quartermaster who outfitted me with a musket and a uniform. Next was training, I was instructed on the pro

per way to handle a musket, how to load and safely fire, also I was instructed on marching technique. Shortly after we returned to camp to eat lunch and prepare for the battle ahead.

Captain Star the man that recruited me, is the primary enlistment officer for the Unions 20th Maine force, explains about his role as a recruitment officer and camp manager in the reenactments saying.

“The best part of being a recruiting officer is that you get to bring more people into this hobby like Walters and Reynolds, also to bring more people to enjoy the civil war with other young Americans,” Star said.”The highlight of the battle for me is when we reformed in the trees after we lost our position on the field, and charged the rebel forces taking our place back. After the battles I look forward to going home and preparing for the next engagement, even though the worst part of the reenactments is having to stop and go home and resume normal life.”

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The battle begun with a sequential beat of the drums, we marched to engage the rebel forces advancing on us, we lined up and fired two times dealing minimal damage to the ranks of the confederate army. We began to grow thin in numbers, our commander weary of loosing more men. He ordered our retreat in which we turned and quickly marched to a new position, where we formed a square to defend our location.

At that moment in time we faced the challenge of survival, in a crossfire of confederate muskets. They advanced we fired, they fired we fell, with every moment we wasted, another soldier fell silent. Our Major observed our failing tactic and ordered our regrouping in a new location.

The best part of being a recruiting officer is that you get to bring more people into this hobby like Walters and Reynolds, also to bring more people to enjoy the civil war with other young Americans. The highlight of the battle for me is when we reformed in the trees after we lost our position on the field, and charged the rebel forces taking our place back. After the battles I look forward to going home and preparing for the next engagement, even though the worst part of the reenactments is having to stop and go home and resume normal life.–Thomas star 

With our commander facing the challenge of winning the engagement, he ordered our retreat where we regrouped. We lined up in formation, the drums began to pound, we rallied, and we made a final push into the confederate lines. We gave every ounce of energy we had into our push into the confederates, aggressively we concurred and took the fight home a union victory. A great victory at the cost of many, we helped our wounded and accepted the surrender of the confederate commander.

Packing up camp after simulating a immersive Civil War experience is the least favorite time in this experience, returning to normal civilian life ends the two day community that only reenactments bring.

Although after sleeping in dog tents most reenactors agree that a soft bed after one night in a tent is a warm welcome home. While not a experience for everyone, the Civil War reenactment pulls in and engages the historian in all people, the congregation of willing and talented soldiers immerses you in the experience. While a voluntary time devotion is required, the reenactment experience is worth every waking moment of gunfire and cannon shot.

This writer can be reached via twitter: @Huskyy223.

For another opinions article read COLUMN: Leadership requires ethical character, service.