Used to do some Civil War re-enactments back in 1982. Our group was 3rd Alabama Volunteer Corps. About 6 of us.
We would go to local re-enactments in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and here in Bama. All on the actual battlefields, or what's left of them.
Never been to the big one at Gettysburg, but had some fun times. It's basically a living history vacation with educational value for those interested in the Civil War/War Between the States. Most of the experience is camp life and some drilling. Had to hide the ice chests when the tourists came through camp....but after hours we could break out the cold ones.
Was going to invest about $600 in a new rifle and a clothing/uniform upgrade, but the mail order company I was dealing with wouldn't accept a personal check. I decided it wasn't worth the trouble.
Anyway, about that time I started up with deer hunting as a replacement for re-enacting to get outdoors and seek adventure.
The purpose of re-enacting is to experience living history. Like anything, you get out what you put in. Some hard core re-enactors would show up with their backpacks, tent halves, food they could carry in their haversacks, and rifle.
I wasn't one of these.
Though I admired their spirit.
One thing I did learn was how to keep a fire going two days in pouring rain. Our camp was the only one of about 20 that still had fire during the downpour. Hehe, everyone was borrowing our logs.
Les
