WHY REENACT???
By Pvt Sam West  15th ALA Co B

Reenacting is fun.  No doubt about it.  At  least for most of us it is.  Most of the time. But what is reenacting about?  Well, to each man it is something different.  Civil War Reenacting is something that can be best charachterized by the individual.
Many years ago,  when I was first getting interested in this hobby,  a reenactor in the midwest summed it up quite well.  He said
                  This hobby covers everything.  You get to camp, if you like camping. You get to    spend the weekend with your family and friends. You learn and live history, so if you are into history, you'll appreciate this.  If you like acting, well, you get to ham it up in front of  the audience at battle time. You get to wear  uniforms and pretend you are in the army.  THere is something here....at least one thing  that appeals to everyone.
    For many, too, I might add,  there is the honor paid to civil war ancestors.  The Sons of Confederate Veterans support many of our events. 
    A few may assume that each reenactor has the same goal for the weekend.  It would be foolish to think so,  for as there may be 500 men at a reenactment,  so will there be 500 different reasons that  each is there.  Each man, given his degree of impression,  will find his meaning through the reenactment.  To each his own;  to all, the cause  For as the army comes together on Saturday afternoon for the  spectacular battle,  each impression will be fulfillled.

A NOTE ABOUT GETTING INTO REENACTING
If you are considering  getting into this hobby,  please read this.  We  welcome and want your participation,  but  we have a few suggestions.
#1  TRY BEFORE YOU BUY  Reenacting is an expensive hobby and can be very expensive. We do not recommend that you invest in anything until you try a weekend as a reenactor. Most groups will outfit potential recruits for a weekend.  We have seen too many instances where a person spends  the $1000 or so to get outfitted,  then realizes the first weekend out that they don't like it.
#2 YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY EVERYTHING AT ONCE  Consider buying used items when appropriate.  We joke that we can always spot the new reenactors; they are the ones with brand new uniforms and a collection of the most expensive and often unneccesary items in tow.  The neccesities-- clothing , canteen and weaponry are all one needs to consider at first.  The longer you are in this hobby,  then the more items you will collect.  I guarantee it.
#3 SHOP AT FIRST ONLY WITH A VETERAN REENACTOR  I am not knocking sutlers, but they are those guys with eyes shaped like dollar signs that love nothing more htan a new recruit with a fat wallet.  When purchasing items, if you are not sure  of the neccesity or authenticity, ask someone who knows. 
#4  DON'T WORRY--HAVE  FUN  Reenactment groups are good about  taking care of each other.  If you have questions,  ask.  If you have an opinion or a need,  speak up.  Also,  it is important to find a group whose philosophy towards reenacting matches yours.    You will find more enjoyment of your weekend that way.
CONTACT ANY OF US BY EMAIL IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN REENACTING