Montpelier Guard, Company A, 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment

Home History Today Events Photo Gallery Getting Started Email Links


Getting Started

Enfield
Civil War reenacting brings the period of 1861 through 1865 to life. Reenacting can dramatically remind viewers that real people were involved in one of this Country's most defining historical periods. Reenacting can show people the reality and significance of their own past, improve public awareness of our Nation's history and promote the preservation of historical Civil War-era sites.

As a reenactor, soldier or a civilian, you will need a costume. The total cost of a basic military "costume", with rifle, will range from $1000 to $1250. Don't let this put you off. We know many would be recruits simply can't afford to get everything needed immediately. For this reason, we have small amount of "loan gear" that can be provided, for a reasonable period of time, until you can get the basic items. Company A does have uniform and dress standards but, within these standards, variety is encouraged. One area where deviation is not permitted is in the rifle for safety reasons. The rifle must be a 3-band musket, such as an 1853 Enfield or an 1861 Springfield, because 2-band rifles are too short to place on the firing line.

Before a new military member jumps into the line of battle and starts shooting there are some basic military training we will provide you to ensure your battle experiences are fun, present the spectators with a memorable living history experience and, most importantly, are safe. The most important objective in training is safety. The reenacting community, as a whole, is very serious about you being trained and knowing the rules so each event is a safe and enjoyable experience.

None of the training is difficult. You'll have to learn a modest amount of period rifle drill, marching and firing. To assist you we have informal drill sessions, as required, and an annual Drill Weekend devoted to teaching new recruits and providing refresher training for veterans. Your veteran comrades in Company A, from Private to Captain, will take a personal interest in ensuring you are prepared to have a safe and enjoyable experience.


Basic Items

1. Hat (Kepi, Forage, or Slouch)
2. Shoes
3. Suspenders
4. Pants
5. Coat
6. Shirt
7. Socks
8. Canteen
9. Belt with Buckle
10. Cartridge Box
11. Cap Pouch
12. Musket (3-band such as a Model 42 Musket, P53 Enfield Rifle Musket, Model 55 Rifle Musket or Richmond Rifle Musket)
13. Bayonet with Scabbard
14. Haversack
15. Mucket or Cup
16. Plate
17. Eating Utensils
18. Poncho

Fellow members of Company A will be happy to advise or assist you in selecting items. A "must have" reference on reenacting:
Reliving the Civil War, A Reenactor's Handbook
by R. Lee Hadden
1996 and 1999, Mechanicsburg, PA
ISBN-0-8117-2912-5

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Company A, 13th Virginia, reenacting family and the greater community; or just want to know more about our activities please contact:


Clip art courtesy of Civil War Clip Art.