​Regulations

You already know most of these from past events. But there are some wrinkles which we hope you’ll like.

• Uniforms: The scenario calls for the assembly and deployment of available forces to enforce the conscription laws and look for draft evaders, possibly deserters and, most ominously, pockets of Confederate sympathizers.  We can accommodate a variety of uniform types and unit types.  Those portraying draft evaders should wear civilian clothing, ditto deserters who may also have old, raggedy uniform parts.  You've been living in the rhododendron thickets! You are not spiffy!

• There will be no rank above captain unless advance registration shows we can field at least two 32-musket companies.

•  Anyone with the rank of captain or lieutenant should be prepared to function as officer of the day, captain of the guard/picket, drill supervisor or some other battalion-level function required for the realistic operation of the Union forces.

• Everything on display, including clothing, footwear, weapons, uniform insignia, cooking paraphernalia and flags, must be period-correct (the year is 1864). To be clear: Nothing anachronistic should be visible to your fellow reenactors or the public, from 6 a.m. Saturday to close of event on Sunday. All participants must be in period dress and period demeanor from 6 a.m. Saturday through the close of the event on Sunday. An “inspector general” will check and politely point out anything that needs your attention; we are not going to count your stitches or ask who made your trousers, but this is a “show the history” event, not a hoot-and-shoot. Fires must be in pits or rock rings.

• The "No" list: No flames of any kind, including campfires, candles and lanterns, are permitted inside or within 50 feet of any building, including livestock shelters; there is no smoking, although you may display and explain period tobacco choices; no alcoholic beverages; no recreational drugs; no modern firearms. (This applies even if you have a concealed carry permit.)  No firing of bullets/projectiles; no firing of weapons inside or within 50 feet of buildings; and no loud or abusive language, unless you are in first person as a sergeant major or a quartermaster in charge of mules. Even then, be aware of and sensitive to your audience, which may include children. Avoid profanity and modern vulgarity.

• Black  powder weapons and powder are permitted; you can expect safety inspections whenever weapons are displayed or used in a scenario.

• Reenactor vehicles should be removed from the camps on Friday after setup, with all vehicles out of camp by 11 p.m. Friday. It is greatly preferred that no one break camp prior to the Sunday battle, but we understand that real life sometimes intrudes; if someone must break camp, the unit members should work together to make it happen as quickly and quietly as possible.

• First-class arms were widely available by the summer of 1864 for the military.  For this event, non-military weapons and revolvers of any pre-1864 vintage are acceptable for those portraying conscription resisters, deserters, and belligerent locals upset at the military intrusion of their home towns.

• This is not much of a problem these days, but it needs to be said: Anyone not following the script for the scenarios will be leaving the event.  And there will be no unscripted hand-to-hand stuff.  This is not a hoot-and-shoot.

• Reenactor children must be dressed as children of the 1860s, not as kids in uniforms playing war with cap  guns.

• Military participants under the age of 16 should be functional musicians, hospital staff, teamsters, or unarmed scouts. No one under the age of 13 will be allowed on the field during the battle.

• There will be no use of ramrods during the battle. Ramrods may be used during firing demonstrations; the officer in charge of the unit will conduct a weapons inspection after the demonstration is finished to make sure weapons are cleared and ramrods properly placed.

• Speaking of inspections: There will be “Is it loaded?” weapons safety inspections at registration and at morning roll call. (That is nothing more than dropping a ramrod down the barrel to make sure there’s no charge or foreign material. )

• There will be the full, regular weapons inspections prior to any formation and/or drill, and prior to the battles. These will be focused on the safety of the weapon, not whether it is pretty and spotless.

• No unauthorized at-large specialty impressions (Lee, Grant, Lincoln, etc.). Anyone with a specialty impression who wants to attend should communicate with the organizing committee about getting a spot on the schedule to make a presentation to the public.