Why Gray (or Blue)?

[brown30741]

To borrow on another thread's theme:

To those who portray men in grey (or blue), why have you chosen that side? Without stirring up a hornets' nest, do you feel this choice reflects your modern politics or some other reasoning? To those who do both without concern, sorry that you've been left out.

[jschw90]

I first came across a Federal Unit when I got interested in the hobby. So naturally I got in with the Union. I also have family that fought for the North. I just can't afford to buy a Confederate Kit right now, but if I could I would do both.

[ScottWashburn]

My great-great-grandfather fought for the Union, and I believe, for the right. So, there was really no choice for me on which side I'd portray.

[Rob Weaver]

I've always portrayed a Union soldier. Last weekend was the first time I ever wore grey instead. My passion for the Union soldier began when I was in 4th grade. I wondered which side I would have supported had I lived at the time. Two things stood out for me then: Union and slavery. Believe it or not, I had a strong feeling that the Union must be preserved even at that young age. I also could not conceive of owning another human being. So I made my choice. Oddly, as I have gotten older, racial reconciliation has become a major theme in my life. My wife and I have adopted transracially. In the terms of the 1860s, I would be considered the blackest of the "Black Republicans." I also recognize at this point that the vast majority of those in my profession, white northern clergy, were fiercely anti-slavery. So my choice to wear blue is supported at those points. One of my ancestors got a Medal of Honor at Fair Oaks, but I don't reenact his regiment, or even troops from his state. My passion for the Iron Brigade has deepened in the years of study that I have done into them. They were just average men who once upon a time committed acts of almost inconceivable bravery. What is it that Jeff Wertz said: "The United States Army has never known their equal."
Sorry, getting a little emotional there. Anyway, my blue runs very deep, and is very much attatched to themes continuing to work out in my life now.

[MBond057]

My Great-Great Grandfather fought for the Confederacy. He was Captain Frank A. Bond of the 1st MD, Cavalry, Company A, C.S.A.

I do federal artillery impression because there were no active federal battery’s in AZ when I moved to the southwest. There were two active confederate batteries in the area when I relocated. I simply switch sides and galvanized to balance the field.

I believe when we take the field we are honoring all the men and women who struggled through the great American experience, and helped forge a new direction for our nation.

My battery has been portraying the Mountain Howitzer’s unit that accompanied the 1st California Column as it fought against the Texas Confederates and hostile Apache Indians in both the Arizona and New Mexico Territories.

[flattop32355]

I do mostly blue because I'm with a reenacting unit that does the 30th OVI.

My sentiments are also with the Federal side. That possibly wouldn't be true if I'd been raised further south.

[Artyman]

I have a long living history background, about 36 years, give or take a month or two. Most of the years were spent doing Rev War American. Got pretty good, and well known with that. One of the problems we had doing Rev War reenactments was there were never as many Brits as there were Americans. Worse than that, many times the Brits we did have were sadly lacking. Sometimes we'd ask buckskinners to play Torry militia just to have any enemy at all! When an excellant and authentic Brit regiment did come to a show, especially a big unit like the 64th or the 23rd or the 42nd (Black Watch) they were treated with great awe and respect, being so short of proper targets as we were. I often mused at what it would be like to be the "bad guys" for once.

So I tried Nazi WWII a few years ago. Bad idea around here. Besides being expensive, I got spit on once at McDonalds. A county Sheriff ordered us to cover up the swastikas with duct tape once. We were 'dissed' by WWII vets just about everywhere we went, even when they came special to see a WWII battle! Who'd of saw that one coming?

But my interest was always, and still is, ACW. Being in Ohio means that the bad guys are Rebs! So, that's what I'm trying out now. 'Course, if I was in Georgia then the bad guys would be the Yankee race!

Bottom line...and this is really, really important....I have no politics involved in this decision. I just want to put on a good show and have some fun. Being different puts a new twist on things. I even put the fun part ahead of teaching the masses about how it was. If there wasn't any fun to it then I'd just go boating instead.

Harry

[Jenn12]

My husband and I chose the Confederacy due to location and that the events that they do are close to home. Personally all my life I had been for the Union (being the great-great-great granddaughter of a union soldier) so it was difficult to see why the confederacy would be a good choice (especially since we have adopted african american children). However, I have since done a lot of research and prefer to be Confederate. I've read a lot of books that show views of the Union that I would not agree with. Plus it has been fun to learn positive things about the blacks in the south and trust me I've learned a lot to disprove a lot of theories that society has nowadays and I'm excited to share and educate others about those things that our modern day society sweeps under the rug.

[TheDude]

[deletion - THP; language] frankly I'm not really sure why you'd expect anything less?

I like to do Confederate cause i can wear almost anything i want, as long as its period. I also like the lost cause image, it gives me something to fight for!

[GBOB]

I prefer the Union because I sneaked a peek at the end of the book and the North wins. I like to win. :D

[mtodriscoll]

Artyman,
Sorry to hear of your bad reception. IMO, I think it is still too fresh in everyone's mind to start WWII re-enacting. Imagine re-enacting the civil war in 1911 when veterans from the war were still around. I imagine that would not have been well-received...

As for me,
I was born in NY, but spent 10 of my most formative years growing up in S.C.

I'm not sure what people in previous posts mean when they talk about where their "sentiments" lie. I am against slavery and hate that our fair country kept the practice alive as long as it did. It should have been stamped out at the first founding of Jamestown. However, I also believe in State's rights and the statements made in the Declaration of Independence: "...it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." Both the Blue and Gray had valid points and ideologies - which is what makes that war such a complex and visceral one.

All that being said - NONE of that played ANY role in our decision as to which "side" to re-enact. When my wife and I decided that our entire family (us +3 kids) wanted to take this up as a hobby, we started visiting units as spectators. We looked around until we found a family-friendly unit where we fealt like we "fit in". We came upon our current unit, the 1st Regiment KY Volunteers Co.E of Longstreet's Corps, and at that first meeting it was like we had stumbled on long lost family. We were welcomed as though they had always known us for a very long time. THAT was what made our minds up - not an ideology.

Did it matter to me that it was a Confederate unit? No. Do I feel like I have to defend the 1860's confederate viewpoints to justify my decision on whom to re-enact with? No. It's a hobby. Go where you heart leads you and where you have fun. Do your research and be as accurate as you can - but have fun.

Pvt. Matt O'Driscoll
1st Regiment KY Volunteers, Co.E

[Artyman]

I expected less because I was there with three British tommies and an American airborne ranger. We were all doing the event and had driven to the event in the same van. Two Italians sat in the booth across from us. I did have one thing right though, I WAS the bad guy!

Now, if you go mixing the slavery issue into the Confederate impressions I figure you could have a problem too. So far it hasn't been an issue anywhere I've been, but I haven't asked my buddy to pose as my slave either. He probably would if I asked (he's just that easy going) but I respect him too much for that! Joining the 54th. maybe!

That being said, I gave up doing German after about three events. It was just too politically incorrect. The unit I went with is out of the Mansfield area and has about 6 active members. My uniform was mostly original stuff from my collection, where it still is. Still, I would like to restore a Tiger tank, but I'm about three million bucks short of having enough. Tigers are just plain cooler than Shermans!

Harry

[44thGa]

Bert,
Please tell me you're kidding. I mean, really?? You can wear whatever you want? Please tell me you know better.

[WestTN_reb]

I portray both sides in order to pay homage to all my ancestors. My gg-grandfather was a cavalryman under Forrest, and I had a distant relative who was on General Sherman's staff.

That said, when I started the hobby, I was gray through and through. Part of the reason for this is that I agree with many of the states rights views held dear in the south at the time. I started doing Federal after it became clear to me that many of the reenactors in my area are what I refer to as Rebfederates (this is being polite). I got tired of having to stand in line or be rotated onto the field so I could shoot at the 30 Yankee participants.

I'm getting off my box now.

[marcaverill]

Why Gray?

I choose a Confederate impression and have stayed with it for many varied reasons. I grew up in Maine and was stationed in TN and VA during my time in the Navy, but have loved history all along. I was a late bloomer in CW reenacting but that interest sparked about 10-12 years ago, but I did not start until 2003. My GG Grandfather served with the 8th Maine.

So with that:

History is written by the winner and as I read more and dug more I became very interested in the Confederacy, but more so the stories of the soldiers who fought for it and why. Along with that end the whole material culture of uniforms (esp British Imports), equipment, etc. That grew into a passion to learn more about the Confederate Sharpshooter units, their training and tactics used.

Maine has several interesting links to the Confederacy: Edward William Drummond (Born and raised in Winslow {Town where I work and across the river from where I was raised}, but moved to Savannah, GA in 1859; married there and fought with 1st GA and I believe with 7th GA). Brigadier General Danville Leadbetter (Born in Leeds, ME). Brigadier General Zebulon York (Born in Avon, ME). And some sources say Brigadier General Joseph Robert Davis (Some say he was born in Woodville, ME – though I will leave this unconfirmed, but he was Jeff Davis’ Nephew). Add to those the bank robbery in Calsis by Confederate agents July 18, 1864 or the seizure of the Revenue Cutter Caleb Cushing and sailing her out of Portland Harbor.

Just a few stories and subjects that interest me that I like to share and that I wish I had more time to delve deeper into, but a very small snapshot of why I wear gray.

Time to go to work now…

Y.O.S.,

[Leif Christensen]

When i went as a spectater to my first reenactment I was hooked immediately.
I hadnt speculated in which side to choose but talked with both sides to learn about the hobby.
After some talks and a few phonecalls I desided to choose the local union infantry, meerly because they were the ones that suited my opinion, of doing a hobby, (later a lifestyle).
They were serious, had a good structure and the NCOs did their best.
They had, and still have, a policy of each new member have a talk with a recruting officer.
Now 5 years later I can sit and wonder if there were other reasons why I choosed as I did.
I had my "lost Cause" when I was younger.
The unit I am in were called the Scandinavian regiment, the 15th. Wisconsin.
Not to criticsize the LOCAL reps, and taking the risk of getting verbal attacked; THEY are more unstructered and anarchistic. Sorry Reps !
Liwing in the Kingdom of Denmark, kind of exclusive the geograffical division, here we all live "around the corner".

regards
2nd. Lieuntenant, Leif Christensen
15 th. Wisconsin Co B.
Denmark

[flattop32355]

Plus it has been fun to learn positive things about the blacks in the south and trust me I've learned a lot to disprove a lot of theories that society has nowadays and I'm excited to share and educate others about those things that our modern day society sweeps under the rug.

Without it turning into a p*ssing contest (we are guests at Mr. Szabo's table), I'd be curious as to what you've learned.


[removal of deleted material; THP] frankly I'm not really sure why you'd expect anything less?
I like to do Confederate cause i can wear almost anything i want, as long as its period. I also like the lost cause image, it gives me something to fight for!

And yet, respectfully, you might wonder why someone would want to do the same to you as a Confederate reenactor sitting in a McDonalds in some parts of this country.

Whatever uniform the reenactor wears, no matter the war being reenacted, they are no more than that; reenactors. They can eat where ever they choose. That their choice of wars occurred more recently is no excuse to do harm to them.

As for the fascination with the "lost cause image", we who (mostly) do National troops also have something to fight for; preservation of the Union and, later in the war, ending slavery. Admittedly not so noble and gallant as causes go, but we take what we can get. :wink:

[Poor Private]

As my tag line shows I do both union and confed. This year I have done mostly confed (2nd Kent, Morgan's Arty). One of the reasons are that right now both union units in the area are going through some political issues. and aonther reason is that the Confed unit is more user freindly. Meaning they don't just pack up and leave at the end of an event, they help each other pack, and as one person (wife of the capt.) stated "we don't give out handshakes, we give out hugs". You can't get more friendlier than that.
Sometimes it's not your personal outlook on which side to defend, it's more on who you can get along with in reenacting.

[Regular3]

Like Mr. Schweickhardt, my first encounter was with a Federal unit and so - sort of like real life, where I talked only with an Army recruiter and so didn't end up in another branch - I went Blue and the only time I have ever worn gray was as a movie extra.

I had ancestors on both sides. I have come to believe through my own study and research that the South was wrong to secede after having basically held the very founding of the nation hostage to the continuation of their economic system, and continuing to hold it hostage throughout its brief history. And every time someone brings up States' Rights, I point out this clause in Article VI of the Constitution (which those same states ratified):

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding. [My emphasis]

Having said all of that, it would be hard for me to say I would have gone with the Union if I had lived back then. I grew up in what is now the border region between Virginia and West Virginia, just west of the Shenandoah Valley, an area that contributed to two companies of the 33rd Virginia. So (like my Confederate ancestor) it may well be that I would have gone with my friends, neighbors, brothers, cousins, etc., and enlisted to fight for the South.

[tompritchett]

IMO, I think it is still too fresh in everyone's mind to start WWII re-enacting.

One of the former members of my previous unit left CW reenacting for WWII reenacting and found that many of the old WWII were very receptive and appreciative of the WWII reenactors.

[GaWildcat]

Ya know, I dont know. I was drawn to the South when I first started reading about the war at an early age, maybe because of the underdog thing, the strength and resources of the North versus those of the South, etc. Then I ran into some reenactors at Fort Point, CA, and the Cornfeds were the ones that talked to me first, and stuck me in uniform. When I moved to Alaska with the Army, I started doing some Federal Cavalry (mounted) as a bunch of us worked with an explorer post based on the Cavalry teaching kids to work with horses. Most of em looked like a John Ford western, but about five of us were correct.

When I moved to Georgia, I really got back into reenacting, and the unit I joined galvanized. I will admit it was strange doing Federal in battle and enjoyed it. Now it doesn't really matter what side we do. I had relatives on both sides. My GGGrandfather fought for the Union, and I had two distant cousins that fought for the south. So, I look at it as respecting the fighting man.. not the politics or causes of the war, but the man who "drew the rammer and tore the cartridge, and drew 13 dollars a month and rations"

Like we say on our website, Honoring the memory of those whose lives were torn apart across both North and South. We pay our respects to those men, blue and gray who fought for what they believed to be right at the time, and not judge them by modern standards.

[Blair]

My Great Grandfather served in three confederate Units, Co B Ist VA Art. Co A 2nd VA Cav. and Co A 1st MD Cav.
He was captured twice, paroled the first time and ended up at Point Lookout POW camp in MD the second time.
He inlisted in Jan. 1864 into Co F 1st US Vol Inf. to get out of Point Lookout prison. Served until May 10th 1866 when he was mustered out at Ft Leavenworth, KS.
Most of my reenacting has been as a Confederate. I maintain uniforms for being able to do both impression. As union I was with the 116th PVI and James River Sqd. U S Navy Landing Party.
Blair Taylor

[johnerys]

Mostly went with the 5th Texas because I had a friend in the group and they were located close to home. My sympathies are strictly Union, and when I'm doing my photographer impression I am a Northern photog. I have no problem, however, portraying a Southern soldier when called upon to do so.

[unclefrank]

I do both. You can have more fun uniform wise with a Confederate impression.

[53rd OVI]

I went to a show here in Ohio back in 1993 and there were reenactors there showing the gear and all to the public. I also loved studying the war history of the United States and its military.

So I go the gear in 93 and started out with the 30th OVI here in the Central Ohio area.Then some of us got together before Shiloh 135th and decided to get uniforms to portray the 54ht OVI "Second Ziouaves of Ohio". I did that for about 11 years and got out of it. Got into the paintball scenario arena and it was fun with all the toys there are. Plus once your hit you know you are out or yelling for a medic.

But now I am getting out of it due to the cost of stuff going up and the wife (financial advisor for family) letting me know the cost just be covered and the referee money I make needs to go to family needs. So I had the gear for this and now I am planning on getting back in with the old unit and see about kicking the 54th OVI back in.

Family was on the Union side in the 53rd OVI and the 123rd OVI so I went that way to honor the ancestors. I reallly don't care if I would have to do a Confederate side just do not have the kit for it.

[Artyman]

Johnerys,

I'll see you at your November meeting! I'm bringing another recruit along!

Harry

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Tis complicated...

With over 25 family members having served, been wounded, died, or been killed in the Federal army, I "should" portray only Federals. ;) :)

However, I had a college history professor that taught history not so much by names and dates, but rather how issues and events affected people across political, social, and class lines. So, we often explored history from the POV of the "wrong side," the "underdog," or the "less than popular," or the "losing" side.

I carried that over in reenacting and living history in several periods as a why to understand the "whole" a little bit better. So for the ACW, I startred out Federal, went to half Federal/half Confederate, then Confederate, then Federal, and now back to half Federal/half Confederate once again.

My ancestors probably are a-spinnin' in their graves...

CHS

[Artyman]

Yep, they call my grand pappy "ole' pinwheel!"

Harry

[johnerys]

Look foward to meeting you, if you need directions or an address let me know.

[8th TexCav]

For me it is a matter of geography and the members of the unit with whom I feel most comfortable. When I lived in New England, I was with a Union battery. They were the best fit for me. Now that I am in Texas I am with a Confederate cavalry unit. It really had nothing to do with the "Cause", it was about the best fit for me. I have family that fought on both sides so I do not feel that I am in anyway betraying my "heritage." The funny thing that I noticed was that the Union battery would never galvanize. No one even owned a gray uniform. With my current unit, we ride blue as often as we do gray and I never hear any of them complain when we are asked to galvanize.

[Longbranch 1]

I'm hoping that I am learning something, while honoring all on both sides.
Not trying to be PC, but is there a " Reconstruction Reenactors " forum out there?
THAT would be interesting.

Pick up a few books and read them........

Regards,
Kevin Ellis,
26th NC

[Rob Weaver]

I've recently gotten interested in the Reconstruction. Most of my time as a reenactor, I've been something of an equipment maven. Then I was/am deeply interested in the personality of private soldiers. Studying the Reconstruction over the winter began to give me the impression that the 11 years after the shooting war ended were a protracted guerilla war/ political contest which saw most of the goals of the shooting war undone. In effect, the Union "won the war and lost the peace," setting up the civil rights struggle of the 20th century. Sad, really, no matter which side you're interested in.

[Doug Cooper]

I had room in the closest for both sides...well I used to.

Seriously, its an education thing to know as much about all Americans as you can..to be worthy of the trust they passed on and the sacrifice they gave for all of us.

[Tarheel57]

For me, portraying a Confederate was natural, as I was raised in the South and all the ancestors that I know of fought in NC regiments. Southern History has always been a major interest of mine. But perhaps an even more important factor was the fact that the units I joined were the first people to ever invite me to join them for an event. I was interested in reenacting for nearly six years, and all the other people I encountered on Forums, and a few in person, seemed to assume that I was an ignorant Farbmeister whose mere presence would destroy their "field creds". People in my two units invited me to events, and everything went well. They were all a great bunch of people. This was the important thing. I'd just as soon be in a unit of Penguin Hunters who were nice, than super-authentics were were jerks.
I was also very happy to be in unit that galvanized. After reading from the Confederate perspective all my life, in the last decade I became interested in investigating the Federal viewpoints and have found it very rewarding.

[Dunn Browne]

Connecticut Yankee born and bred. I never even gave reenacting Confederate a thought when I first got into the hobby. If I grew up in my town where I have resided my entire life 150 years ago I am sure I would have sided with the sentiments of the community or my parents. 100+ fought for the Union out of a total population under 2,000, zero for the south.

[Cove Rebel]

Confederate was natural for me too. My ancestor was 28th NC from Orange County NC. My family owned slaves up to a point (although until just now I never considered just WHEN they quit having slaves..hmmm). Who better to talk from that point of view than me? And I live in Alabama now. That also made it easier. :D

Of course, for the sake of fairness our unit does time a yankees if need be.

[mtodriscoll]

If the economy continues at this rate - we won't have to re-enact Reconstruction... :rolleyes:

[MBond057]

Matt,

A-Men to that! :(

[Pvt. Rufus Guy]

I was recruited into the hobby by the first group that I was impressed with after watching several reenactments. After I joined, I thought about which side I would have fought for had I lived in the 1860's. Seeing how I'm from Detroit, Michigan and have lived in Cincinnati, Ohio since I was a teenager, blue would be correct. Especially since Cincinnati was 99.5% Union even though it was across the river from a slave state. I can see how ancestry could come into play, but for me, all of my ancestors were in Eastern and Southern Europe until the 1880's and none of them took any part during the American Civil War.

[Danny]

...what made our minds up - not an ideology...Do I feel like I have to defend the 1860's confederate viewpoints to justify my decision on whom to re-enact with? No. It's a hobby....

Matt -

How refreshing, I only wish that all in this hobby could be so secure and honest in their impression. Unfortunately there are those few reenactors at events that unashamedly defend their 1860's political viewpoints as modern viewpoints without distinguishing for young spectators which one is the impression. The young 'taters are vulnerable to the slanted, dare I say often ignorant, views and we can't rightly expect them to understand the difference.

When I hear this wrong committed, I strive, with some of my compadres if available, to offer alternative facts: only those truths supported by documentation and accounts from that time. But typically the damage can't be undone in a short soundbite before the 'taters move on.

It's the only thing that distracts me in this enjoyable hobby. Who here will join with me in denying a pass for those fellow reenactors who misinform the young?

As to the main question, I would as easily go Confederate but simple logistics made me Union.

Dan Wykes

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

"Who here will join with me in denying a pass for those fellow reenactors who misinform the young?"

You mean in terms of "...unashamedly defend their 1860's political viewpoints as modern viewpoints without distinguishing for young spectators which one is the impression?"

Would not that be the hallmark of the "authentic impression" in presenting not only the material culture of the 1860's, the physical appearance of the man, and also his 1860's social, religious, and political beliefs and opinions?

Or am I misunderstanding the question as to referencing 1860's era
socio-political thought as "modern view points?" Or "modern view points" being presented as 1860's?

I would think, perhaps incorrectly, "modern view points??

CHS
Fuzzy Mess

[Leif Christensen]

Dan W
Hear - Hear !!
I second that.

Leif



Matt -

How refreshing, I only wish that all in this hobby could be so secure and honest in their impression. Unfortunately there are those few reenactors at events that unashamedly defend their 1860's political viewpoints as modern viewpoints without distinguishing for young spectators which one is the impression. The young 'taters are vulnerable to the slanted, dare I say often ignorant, views and we can't rightly expect them to understand the difference.

When I hear this wrong committed, I strive, with some of my compadres if available, to offer alternative facts: only those truths supported by documentation and accounts from that time. But typically the damage can't be undone in a short soundbite before the 'taters move on.

It's the only thing that distracts me in this enjoyable hobby. Who here will join with me in denying a pass for those fellow reenactors who misinform the young?

As to the main question, I would as easily go Confederate but simple logistics made me Union.

Dan Wykes

[Capt Terry]

Matt -

How refreshing, I only wish that all in this hobby could be so secure and honest in their impression. Unfortunately there are those few reenactors at events that unashamedly defend their 1860's political viewpoints as modern viewpoints without distinguishing for young spectators which one is the impression. The young 'taters are vulnerable to the slanted, dare I say often ignorant, views and we can't rightly expect them to understand the difference.

When I hear this wrong committed, I strive, with some of my compadres if available, to offer alternative facts: only those truths supported by documentation and accounts from that time. But typically the damage can't be undone in a short soundbite before the 'taters move on.

It's the only thing that distracts me in this enjoyable hobby. Who here will join with me in denying a pass for those fellow reenactors who misinform the young?

As to the main question, I would as easily go Confederate but simple logistics made me Union.

Dan Wykes

Danny...Danny...Danny

I agree with my pard Matt. I didn't let the political views of the 1860s affect my decision to portray confederate. I do the gray because I identify more with southern heritage and traditions. Our unit has people with varying views but we are able to accept differences of opinion in the name of harmony and for the good of the unit.

Now, why did you feel you're so correct in your viewpoints, that you get to censor others? The difference between our views is I'm willing to tolerate yours, you however will only tolerate your own.

If we could travel back to 1860, I bet you'd hear alot of different opinions.

[Artyman]

Its much safer for a 1780 Brit to shout "God Save the King" at an event than for an 1861 Southerner to shout "States rights includes slavery".

Harry

[Danny]

Danny...Danny...Danny

I agree with my pard Matt... Now, why did you feel you're so correct in your viewpoints, that you get to censor others? The difference between our views is I'm willing to tolerate yours, you however will only tolerate your own...
If we could travel back to 1860, I bet you'd hear alot of different opinions.

Terry, Terry, Terry -

How could you miss that I'm in total agreement with pard Matt? He indicated he doesn't have to support the Confederate politic just because he's a Confederate reenactor.

So it has nothing to do with the difference between your "views" and mine. It has nothing to do with me wanting to be so right. Read my prior response a little more carefully . It's only about passing on a truth supported with documentation and accounts from that time.

What I feel needs push-back is when the "views" and "different opinions" you speak of are stated to the 'taters as if they are facts. Won't you join with me and push-back when you hear such spoken to the young 'taters?

Dan Wykes

[Capt Terry]

Terry, Terry, Terry -

How could you miss that I'm in total agreement with pard Matt? He indicated he doesn't have to support the Confederate politic just because he's a Confederate reenactor.

So it has nothing to do with the difference between your "views" and mine. It has nothing to do with me wanting to be so right. Read my prior response a little more carefully . It's only about passing on a truth supported with documentation and accounts from that time.

What I feel needs push-back is when the "views" and "different opinions" you speak of are stated to the 'taters as if they are facts. Won't you join with me and push-back when you hear such spoken to the young 'taters?

Dan Wykes


They are facts in my opinion and I believe I have supported them with enough documentation. There's always more than one angle to look at things.

I'll let Matt, a very good man at that, speak for himself. I think I am also in agreement with him if you read my post. The politics of 1860 did NOT define why I chose the gray. Southern heritage and traditions and because I am a southerner led me to chose the gray. Southerners tend to be very loyal to their states and the region.

But, I do have opinions based on alot of research. That is completely seperate from why I reenact at all. I would still have those opinions if I never reenacted. If I hear something I know to be completely wrong, I'll push back.

In the end, I do agree with Matt, it is just a hobby and I'm not trying to re fight the war.

[crowley_greene]

I have kits for both sides, and I've been equally happy to dress out in whatever uniform I've been needed in.

Murray

[shooter13]

I have a great,great,great,great(darn thats a lot of greats)grandfather who was a member of the 16th Virginia cav. My wife's (same number of greats)grandfather was their commanding officer. I also have always admired the fighting spirit of R. E. Lee and the ANV, to fight so long against the odds.

[Artyman]

Shelby Foote in the great PBS series said that "the South could never have won that war". Before that he had commented that "the North had always fought it (the CW) with one hand tied behind it's back". In spite of this, in the early part of the war it looked like the South might win. This created the bravado and elan that pervaded the Southern Army, its officers, its civilian base. Indeed, a bravado that may have brought Lee to Gettysburg.

Having had a winning tradition for both sides makes it easier for us to recruit reenactors today. Both sides actually get to win battles. I think that leaving politics out of the mix leaves only the better parts of the ACW on the field, that is, dash, chivalry, spectacle, gallantry, cool weapons, history, color, noise, smoke, camp, travel to exotic places and events, food, laughter, romance, music, really bad coffee made over a campfire burning wet wood in the rain, you know....the stuff we do.

That's why I did it, want to get back to it, and read every book and thread available. In the end, if we can say we put on a great show and didn't hurt anybody doing it then we've lived up to a heritage that transcends merely North or South, but rather, what it means to be an American.

Harry

[3rd_PA_Artillery]

I fight for the north pretty much because of my geographic location. I was raised in the north with northern beliefs, so I'm a federal. On the other hand, if I were raised in the south, I'd probably fight for the south.

[Danny]

...Southern heritage and traditions and because I am a southerner led me to chose the gray...

Terry -

I appreciate your motivation to go gray. You want to honor that heritage in the same way others here have mentioned.

Is it fair though to imply that Southern heritage and tradition is the same thing as Confederate heritage and tradition? I tend to think not, as many others had a Southern heritage and tradition yet they chose blue, and not only the black ones.

Dan Wykes

[cannnfodder]

I reenacted with the 22nd Mass and I figured I'd always be Blue. After all, both my mom and dad's families are from Massachusetts since the 1600's with many ancestors that fought and died in Mass Regiments.
Then I moved to Greenville, South Carolina recently and reenact with the 20th South Carolina. I was amazed how easy it was to switch sides and portray a dirt poor farmer from Upstate So. Carolina. (the uniform choices are much greater) Just like back then, you and your pards fight for the state you're from. Back then, not many had time to worry about politics. They would work 6 days a week, go to church on Sunday and maybe a get- together on Sat night. They would side with their friends and family.
I came to realize we're all Americans and try to portray our unique American heritage with honor and dignity, both North and South.
Also when I'm portraying a Confederate, when I'm shootin at Yanks, I just think of them as being from those heathen western states like Ohio or Indiana, not Blue- Blood- God- fearing New Englanders!
Now just don't ever ask me to be anything other than a Red Sox or Patriots fan!

[flattop32355]

If there is Southern heritage, would there not also be Northern heritage, or at least Midwestern heritage, New England heritage, and Mid-Atlantic heritage?

Why does Southern heritage get so much more play and emphasis, a banner to rally 'round generation after generation? Because of the underdog status of the Confederacy? Because they lost the war? It just strikes me as odd that it should be such a dominant belief.

Disclaimer: I grew up in Kentucky, and graduated from U of K. The main heritage that concerned me then, as now, was American heritage.

[Capt Terry]

Terry -

I appreciate your motivation to go gray. You want to honor that heritage in the same way others here have mentioned.

Is it fair though to imply that Southern heritage and tradition is the same thing as Confederate heritage and tradition? I tend to think not, as many others had a Southern heritage and tradition yet they chose blue, and not only the black ones.

Dan Wykes


No it's not fair to say that. Southern traditions and heritage span a much broader scope of time and subjects. Confederate heritage is just a segment of that.

You're right about some southerners, but what about all those northerners that choose gray? Maybe more of them?

Also, I will say though, that I do call myself a Kentuckian before I call myself an American. I love the country and served in the Army and am very proud to be an American. My first loyalty however, will always be to my state.

[Danny]

...what about all those northerners that choose gray? Maybe more of them?

Terry -

You mean today? Yes, good point.

You mean CW time? No, not even maybe. Are you honestly OK with telling stuff like that to a kid?

Dan W

[Capt Terry]

Terry -

You mean today? Yes, good point.

You mean CW time? No, not even maybe. Are you honestly OK with telling stuff like that to a kid?

Dan W

No today in reenacting not CW time.

Don't understand exactly what you're asking? About being a Kentuckian first?

[Rob Weaver]

If there is Southern heritage, would there not also be Northern heritage, or at least Midwestern heritage, New England heritage, and Mid-Atlantic heritage?

Midwest heritage. Of course there is. Corn dogs, Maid-rights, the frugality that has its origin in the dustbowl 30s. Iowa jokes instead of New Jersey jokes. I moved to Sioux Falls SD after living in the Northeast, Kentucky and California. There was definitely a heritage and culture I could observe, but found it difficult to participate in. It is still much the same there now, albeit a large immegrant population is making Sioux Falls noticibly more cosmopolitan.

[reddiamond]

I believe that I do blue purely because I live in a "northern" state. However, in the county where I live (Beaver County, PA) there were many men who skipped across to border to side with the south. The mountains in the southern portion of my county kind of make to border between Pa and then VA a little fuzzy.

Our unit does a lot of living history events locally. I think that this gives us an added bond with the local people. We often get family members who have relatives who served in that regiment come and visit our camps. The CW soldiers buried in our local cemeteries whose bodies were sent home were put there by southern bullets. It would be kind of weird having the only local CW group doing CS.

I am a big proponent of portraying local heroes from any side, depending upon where you live.

I wonder what the sides would look like if the Mason/Dixon line was the sole dictator on what color you wore at reenactments. There seems to be far more CS reenactors who live in the north than US reenactors who live in the south.

I'll do both when called upon. However, I lack the 5 or more complete uniforms it truly takes to portray a correct Confederate soldier over the duration of the war.

Scot Buffington

[Parault]

I wear whatever the powers that be tell me to wear for that event. I only had family in the Southern Army, however, that hasn't stopped me from wearing what needs to be worn. If it will make the odds better I will go Blue if need be in order to keep the 100 Confederate troops from getting routed by 15 Federals at an event.

[Regular3]

I believe that I do blue purely because I live in a "northern" state. However, in the county where I live (Beaver County, PA) there were many men who skipped across to border to side with the south. The mountains in the southern portion of my county kind of make to border between Pa and then VA a little fuzzy.

Scot BuffingtonThat's interesting, Scot - As that part of Virginia they were skipping into was strongly pro-Union and quickly showed it by holding a convention at Wheeling to begin the process of breaking away to form the new state of West Virginia.

I'd like to see how many men from those Northern Panhandle counties ended up in Confederate units.

[TheQM]

I was still in the Army when I got involved with reenacting. I went to an event as a spectator and wondered around the camps, after the "battle". In the Federal camp there were drums beating, bugles blowing, and people marching here and there.

I walked over to the camp of Company B, 4th. Texas Infantry and everybody was laying around with their feet up. On the way home, I told my wife, "They're paying me for doing all that "Army" stuff. I think I'll apply to join the 4th. Texas". Little did I know at the time, that laying around wasn't all they did; but I didn't find that out until it was too late and I was hooked. I've been a high private in the 4th. Texas ever since.

Oh yeah, my ancestors all served in the Union Army during the real Civil War War, and I have no problem wearing a Union uniform. I do so, at least two or three times every season, usually as a member of the Rowdy Pards.

[Bloated_Corpse]

When I first got interested in the hobby I was very interested in doing CS.

But then I went to witness my first event and I saw some Union troops marching and drilling under the glorious Stars and Stripes and I had my first magic moment: That's what Yankees really looked like!!!, I thought.

To me they looked like the prose of Bruce Catton had suddenly come to life and I knew then and there that I was a Union man and would have to fight under the Old Flag. :)

[reddiamond]

There were a lot of COnfederate units from the panhandle, and some individuals who went to fight in more southern units.
Wheeling was kind of like Louisville, KY. There were CS units assembling in one part of the city and US units forming in another. That had to be crazy!
I know that there was one individual from Burgettstown, PA who was the surgeon of the 27th VA. There were several others. I do not know the foundation of their sympathies, but possibly because they had relatives on the other side. Then again, as much as Pittsburgh was pro-Union, there were a lot of peace Democrats. I think that Pittsburgh went for McClellan in '64.

My area was a peculiarly insane place to live during the war. Besides the war, there was the Oil boom. It seemed that everyone was drilling in their back yards. Boom towns went up everywhere. It was like the wild west, only in western PA. Many of these towns have now disappeared. Pit Hole City (yes, what a name!) had a population of 25,000 in 1862. There is no trace left other than the drainage ditch that marked the roads.

Even though Western VA went with the Union, I think that their economic ties depended upon it- whether they liked it or not. The industrial centers and coal mines were too precious to give up, and Yankeedom would hold onto it with zeal.

Scot Buffington

[50th vice pres]

I choose grey because, well, that's what my mom was doing when I got on board with reenacting. She kinda got me into it, and been grey ever since, and wouldn't change companies for nothing. Our company has come a long way, and we now have new officers in charge, so looking forward to many moons of great fun and fellowship with the 50th VA CO D!

[Phil McBride]

I started as a Confederate because I am a Texan and Texas seceded from the Union, and my ancestors were Confederate soldiers. Five years ago our battalion undertook a major project to put 50 enlisted men on the field at Port Hudson, LA as the 165th NY Regiment - Duryea's 2nd Zouave Battalion. The appearance of a small battalion of Zouaves was a rousing success and we are still at it.
Our company and battalion now split between our Zouave impression and our original Army of Tennessee Confederate impression. At least twice a year we are the core of the Federal infantry at regional events, and of course the Zouave attire attracts loads of questions and attention. And I personally agree with the fellow who expressed his pride and pleasure to "fight" under the Stars and Stripes.

Phil McBride
Co K, 6th Texas Inf.
Red River Battalion

[Smokin Gun]

Well jus' commin' in I'd like to wave a hand all around.
I'm gonna try to respond to this topic without splashin' water. I was born way upstate N.Y. joined the Army and was instantly in the South, Ft. Jackson, S.C. to be exact. So I did join the Army in the South...
Being racially color blind I looked into afew things about the Civil War being called the War of Northern Agression. What I have found is that the Federals told the South that they would be taxed(heavily)on their product, cotton. Well the South was opposed to this very strongly. So in short they told the North they would succeed from the Union...the Union being upset told the South if they didn't pay the tax they would be kicked out of the union...the South told um they had already succeeded. Then it all started calling plantation owner Slave Owners cause they had people working for no pay, with food, housing, and clothing provided. But they didn't live or work like the Slaves in the North. So the Emancipation Proclimation came about(not the reason for the War, but an excuse)...then the War, then starvin' Slave trains North... Don't quote me exact but the battle of Gettysburg I was told that the first shot fired was from the South, a black soldier hitting a Northern soldier.
Anyway it seemed no differant and actually better than the current housing and welfare of today.(except for some of the not so nice owners)
So I'm CSA cause I choose to be.
And if this is too much detail for this post let me know now with my first post
(you asked)
Thanks for listenin'

Smokin Gun

[hendrickms24]

Thanks for listenin'

Smokin Gun

May I ask what History books are you reading? :confused:

[Artyman]

Well, I got drafted from Ohio and did Basic in Fort Jackson too. I DID bring a biggot attitude with me, being from an all white town in an all white family with all white views. But, I quickly lost the biggot part when we were all thrown into the meat grinder in Nam, together! If there was any good thing from my Army years it was that I grew up after that with more modern views about race. I still struggle with Hispanics though, I'll admit it.

So, when I decided to go Reb, I was asking myself if it had anything to do with my old childish views. Since I now have black friends and don't feel any anamosity toward any man who at least tries to better himself, I concluded that I joined a CSA unit more for the romance, the lost cause, to be different, to fill a need for "bad guys" to shoot at, and to enjoy a more 'varied' uniform experience.

Still, friend, the secession movement involved much more than taxes! Taxes was one issue, but it was still about states rights more than anythhing else...those rights including the slavery issue amoung other things.

You are right about something else, this topic could tumble out of control if we degrade it into our personal opinions about "the issue". Do you like the Beatles, classic Mustangs, Ohio State Football? If you do then we argee on something, and I'll buy any man (or gal) a beer who wants to sit down and talk about these. I'll probably leave if it turns to racial stuff.

Harry

[carson_reb]

Although my moniker is carson_reb, I'm being very frank when I say that I don't really know which side I would rather portray. Right now, I only have a confederate uniform, primarily because my research into the ACW has been heavily on the Confederate side. This is probably because my ancestry is deeply Southern, with family members fighting for Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, and North Carolina. I also have developed great respect for notable Confederate heroes, Gens. Lee, Jackson and Longstreet. My genealogical lineage includes the Custis line by marriage, so you might say I have a personal link to Lee. Furthermore, I am a student of the U.S. Constitution, and I have come to believe that the South had a point with its States' Rights argument.
However, as my maternal grandfather's lineage includes relation by marriage to Abraham Lincoln, I have long been fascinated with our 16th president. This side of my family traveled with the Lincolns from Kentucky to Illinois and settled there. So, I also have family that fought for the Union.
As such, I am not particularly attached to one side or the other. I believe the South was right to protest the violation of the states' right clause of the Constitution; but to do so under the scarlet letter of slavery was a mistake, retrospectively, of course. Moreover, I believe that the preservation of the Union has been in America's best interest as she has prevailed through some very hard times to remain that shining city on a hill.
I suppose that had I been alive during the ACW, my participation likely would have depended on which part of the country I was born and raised in.
Nonetheless, the honest answer for me is that my loyalties are where my heart lies: on both sides.
Since I am trading my my Confederate military uniform for a chaplain impression, my "border state" mentality is probably better served in this way.

[Guy Gane III]

(Great reading, guys. It's interesting to see the answers that all of you have. ;) )

I originally joined a Northern unit (49th NY) when I saw them at a local county fair. My intentions were to go Union because I looked at some of the Rebs at a local reenactment and they just didn't look right. No disrespect to them, but they just didn't look like I had imagined them to look.

Over the past 5 years, I found myself amassing a pretty good amount of CS stuff and one that I will never finish (THERE ARE TOO MANY OPTIONS!) Doing Fed gets a little boring at the same events, over and over, so I had finally started to fall in with a sister regt, locally and I have fun there.

Then, there are the Liberty Rifles... :D

[lazyrebel2]

I got into re-enacting in 1984, and I have always done Confederate. I was born and raised and still own a portion of my great-great grandfather's plantation. He owned about a 100 slaves. (That is why reprerations is a sore topic with me, if it is paid, I want some too, to reimburse what we lost and what the yanks took away). I remember talking to my grandmother, who related stories of the bad things that the Yanks did when they came through our part of Virginia. She heard these as a little girl from her grandmother.
Killing of pets just for the run of it does not strike me as a "glorious cause".
Alas, the victors get to right the history books.

IMO, I believe that my ancestors fought for the right and we lost.

[Pvt Schnapps]

I got into re-enacting in 1984, and I have always done Confederate. I was born and raised and still own a portion of my great-great grandfather's plantation. He owned about a 100 slaves. (That is why reprerations is a sore topic with me, if it is paid, I want some too, to reimburse what we lost and what the yanks took away). I remember talking to my grandmother, who related stories of the bad things that the Yanks did when they came through our part of Virginia. She heard these as a little girl from her grandmother.
Killing of pets just for the run of it does not strike me as a "glorious cause".
Alas, the victors get to right the history books.

IMO, I believe that my ancestors fought for the right and we lost.

If your ancestor had been smart enough to move to the District of Columbia in 1862 and swear an oath of allegiance, he could have received $300 for each of his slaves, in real money. As tough as I find it to imagine reparations for an ancestor's uncompensated labor, I have even more of a problem imagining compensating someone for the labor they exploited by force.

Actually, the civil war is probably unique for the amount of history written by the losers. If it had all been written by the victors, the US forces at events south of the Mason-Dixon line wouldn't always look like Custer at the Little Big Horn. :) For the record, I do both blue and gray, but I try to keep track of which century I go home to.

[Artyman]

:) For the record, I do both blue and gray, but I try to keep track of which century I go home to.

I like that! Guess some of us have a harder time doing that than others though. My politics returns to normal but I wear my kepi to the grocery store!

Harry

[Altecfive]

If your ancestor had been smart enough to move to the District of Columbia in 1862 and swear an oath of allegiance, he could have received $300 for each of his slaves, in real money. As tough as I find it to imagine reparations for an ancestor's uncompensated labor, I have even more of a problem imagining compensating someone for the labor they exploited by force.

Actually, the civil war is probably unique for the amount of history written by the losers. If it had all been written by the victors, the US forces at events south of the Mason-Dixon line wouldn't always look like Custer at the Little Big Horn. :) For the record, I do both blue and gray, but I try to keep track of which century I go home to.

Ah, the difference between a Confederate re-enactor and a Rebel re-enactor. I pride myself on being a Union and Confederate Re-enactor. Not a yankee or rebel re-enactor.

[Anders]

being a cross dresser and working with both sides I must say this- they are all the same, no matter what color they are wearing...really.

Now they may say this and that, but when it boils down to it, we are all just historians, some biased, some not.

[Parault]

being a cross dresser and working with both sides I must say this- they are all the same, no matter what color they are wearing...really.

Now they may say this and that, but when it boils down to it, we are all just historians, some biased, some not.

Thank you Mr. Anders........ That is precisely the same reason I do it. I enjoy the hobby, either blue or gray for the weekend, It really doesn't matter.

[musketbal]

I have always portrayed confederate Maryland infantry. At the present I am getting a Federal uniform together. My anncestors fought and died on each side. Its odd in the fact that the Federal anncestor (Sgt.Benjamin Franklin McCready) owned 2 slaves. He died on Virginias' Eastern Shore in 1862.The confederate side was wth the 1st and 2nd Maryland, John and Thomas McCready. My other anncestors belonged to the 4th Virginia Cavalry Co.D(killed at Winchester) and the 1st Maryland Eastern Shore Inf. Co. K.(Federal).
I have respect for each side and am thankful for their sacrifices. There were many reasons as to why they faught, but we must remember they were first and formost AMERICAN!!
During the Spanish American War, Spain sent secret envoys to the past confederate States governors and ask them to help Spain. In return they would be allowed to create their Confederacy. With out exception, in simple terms they told the Spainish to sick it up their a$$.
"All gave some, Some gave ALL!"

Respectfuly
Brent Conner

[TexConfederate]

I wear the gray because of THIS man. (And the fact that my Great-Grandma would jump out of her grave and "snatch me bald-headed" if I wore blue) :)



http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txfannin/ztate.html

[VA Soldier]

Me personally, I wear the gray and am proud of it. For whatever reason I have always had a greater affinity for the Confederates than the Federals. I had ancestors to fight on both sides and the Civil War was never a big thing to talk about in my house growing up.

Now my take on the other...ladies and gentlemen we all have our personal reasons for why we do what we do, just as the men back then had theirs.
We can sit here and debate untill the cows come home about the legality of secession, states rights, and who was fighting to keep or end slavery.

The reality is all of these are viable reasons for the war and why people fought. To some it was states right and preservation of the Union, to others it was slavery, good or bad, to many others it was a grand adventure or the defense of kirth and kin. For many their reasons evolved as the war evolved.

So as we continue on clad in our blue or gray, remember this world is not one of Black and White...every side has their own story and reasons. Let us remember our purpose to represent the story of these brave individuals, not to change history. We are historians, as such we are stewards of history and need to insure that only factual representations are allowed. Yes we have some freelance with our own interpretation because not every instance was recorded. Let us try to leave our personal politics and agendas out of this, or at least save them for campfire sessions, not for the public...they have a rough enough time understanding the finer points of the war without us making it worse by mixing modern morals, and personal agendas in the mix.

Just my 5 cents worth (would be two, but with the economy...)

D. Jackson

[CameronsHighlander]

I galvinize so I wear Blue, Gray, Plaid and Butternut. I started out Confederate (not to sound gay) but there is something romantic about donning a gray uniform and officer who acted in such a way. When I became Union I found Heritage. Both have the same Dignity, Honor, Pride. The Draw backs to both is the Misconceptions about the war as a Confederate in the north you are looked at as racist and in the south in Union you are looked at as an Invader.

[Evil Dog]

I must confess to also being a cross-dresser. Most all of the time our artillery unit is the 4th US Artillery, Battery B and we are all dressed in blue. Should the occasion demand though we can all switch to grey in a matter of minutes. The cannon itself could care less, it still remains green and black.

Come to think of it, guess I could be considered a double cross-dresser. Not only do I switch between blue and grey, I also switch between Colonial (1770's) and Western Fur Trade (pre-1840).

At times I feel so confused. One time showed up at a Civil War event dressed Colonial !!!

[shooter13]

Reading some of the statements is interesting, many different opinions, but I did not see ONE person state they would not galvanize.:D I may have over looked it but it seemes everyone is willing to portray both Confederate or Federal. We are a Confederate unit but our schedule this year calls for us to go Federal about seven out of 10 events. Its a good way to show respect for all of the brave men on both sides.

[Artyman]

Agreed! And it is so easy to switch. Everything except the jackets is so similar.

Harry

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Agreed! And it is so easy to switch. Everything except the jackets is so similar.

Harry
In reality, almost everything is different, but to just get by and get on the field, its an easy fix. The unit that I first joined galvanized so much, that several of us just went to doing Federal full time. In the deep south, its a pretty good gig since we're welcomed whole heartedly wherever we go (at least by the guys who want to do CS only), with the average event down here having a 5-1 CS to US ratio. Besides, it gets a little old carrying two complete sets of uniforms and leathers and not knowing what side you're going to portray.

[28thNY]

No ancestral reason for it from myself.

I started Confederate with the 2nd South Carolina in England... The reason for that was that my great uncle reenacted with them and invited me to come down and have a go.

When I came over to the US, I joined the 2nd SC but got tired of the 6 hours each way commute to the events in Southern Pa, so joined a local group and, variety being the spice of life, I decided to join a Union group.

[Joseph McCarty]

I prefer the Union because I sneaked a peek at the end of the book and the North wins. I like to win. :D

That doesn't mean you don't die when we unleash a artillery volley into you on three sides!

no seriously, in the midwest we got some invincible yankees. :D:D

[tompritchett]

Respectably Yours,
Korey Kumbier aka Pvt. Joseph McCarty

2nd Virginia Co. F Volunteers
Group Website: http://www.vancaster.net/home

BTW, you might want to doublecheck the address for the group website that you have listed in your signature and in your profile. Neither are valid.

[R.D. Jackson]

My Great, Great Grand Father William Thomas Harless fought for Martin's Brigade, 5th Texas Partisan Rangers. He rode in Co. F and survived the war.

Naturally, I chose the Confederacy for my impression. My wife joined with me. Odd that in reality, she is directly related to Sherman. Spit.