What are the biggest and best Civil War reenactments in the country?

[Hikan]

Hi there,

I'm researching Civil War reenactments for a project I'm working on, and I'm trying to figure out which reenactments are poised to be the biggest and best of 2013. I already have Gettysburg and Chancellorsville on my radar, and I would love your thoughts on which other reenactments are going to be great this year.

Thanks,

Kiran

[Silas]

Best is a qualitative term. What is best to some isn't necessarily best to all. Some want greater numbers while others want greater authenticity. Numbers and authenticity tend to be on opposite ends of the spectrum.

Also, don't make the mistake of ignoring the west. Events occur out there, too.

[hanktrent]

Marmaduke's Raid, April 4-7, 2013, Missouri.
http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...April-4-7-2013

Though not the biggest, period, I'd say that it will probably be the biggest of its kind in 2013, and would qualify among the "best" and fit the category "great."

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[Cadet]

As Silas said, "Best" is subjective.

But since you mention Gettysburg (http://www.gettysburgreenactment.com/ and/or http://www.bluegraygettysburg.com/) and Chancellorsville (http://battleofchancellorsville.com/), I take it you are looking for 150th Commemoration reenactments. That would add Chicamauga (http://www.150thanniversarychickamauga.com/) and Morgan's Raid (http://morgan150.com/).

[Pvt Schnapps]

Kiran, the biggest event will likely be the Blue-Gray Alliance Gettysburg: http://www.bluegraygettysburg.com/ Opinions differ, but I would opine that it's likely to be the better of the two competing Gettysburgs.

Which event is the "best" overall is, as others have noted, unrelated to size. There may be a long walk or two next year that only a few will attend, but for them it will likely be better than most battles.

[Private Glover]

If you have the resources at hand, attending both Gettysburg events might give you a great side-by-side comparison, since each has a slightly different focus. They're only a week apart and might be very educational. As previously and oft-mentioned, 'best' is a subjective term. I would suggest, (again, resources allowing), to try and take in a couple of smaller living history events. Assuming you live east of the Big Muddy you can probably find any number of decent little weekends in your area. If you're out west, they still exist but just might take a bit more searching. You might even contact a unit, and with some rudimentary training and loaner gear, fall in with us. Nothing will give you the taste of reenacting like that pinch of black powder from tearing a cartridge with your teeth.

Good luck, and after you complete your research, I'm sure several of us would be interested in reading your thoughts.

[TheQM]

If you have the resources at hand, attending both Gettysburg events might give you a great side-by-side comparison, since each has a slightly different focus. They're only a week apart and might be very educational.

Mel,

That's my plan!