At every event we attend, there
is a wonderful opportunity to introduce people to the world
of reenacting. Often times, the same questions will emerge.
We would like to take this time to answer some of the questions
we hear most often. Our experience has shown that people's
questions general fall into two categories, how do I get involved
in reenacting and how do I join the Washington Artillery of
New Orleans Reenactors. Click here
for questions about reenacting in general or click
here for specific questions about the Washington Artillery
of New Orleans Reenactors
How do I get into reenacting?
This is the most often asked question. First you have to make
a decision about which side of the conflict, Union or Confederate?
Which branch of service interests you, Infantry, Cavalry or
Artillery? Some people have a specific unit in mind, others
a particular state. We will help you and point you in the
right direction. Of course, we hope you choose the artillery.
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What is so good about the artillery?
Not to detract from our brave boys in the infantry or those
dashing young men in the cavalry, you have not heard the roar
of battle until you have heard the artillery speak! There
is a practical point also, joining the artillery is the least
expensive way to get into reenacting. The gun owners have
already shouldered the expense of the armament. You do not
have to buy a musket, or any of those other accouterments
that the infantry and cavalry require.
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What equipment will
I need to get started?
You will need a uniform to match the unit you join as well
as weaponry. Do not buy anything until you decide on a unit
and talk to the unit officers. Many units have loaner gear
to get you started.
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Where do I get this
stuff?
Don't you worry! There are any number of Sutlers who are willing
to sell you this stuff. They come to the events and many have
a mail order service, even web pages! We have a list of the
sutlers who have what you need and we even have our own sutler
who will tailor your uniform to you.
Once again talk to your unit officers before
you buy anything and they will help guide you to the right
stuff and the right prices.
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What else do I need?
Once again don't worry, when you see the "goodies' the
other members have you can set up your own shopping list.
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Do I need to join
a unit to reenact?
Not really, but it's a good idea. Unless you want to always
have to find a unit to attach to when you go to an event.
Unless you never want to know what is going on. Unless you
want to avoid the embarrassing statement of; "Hi I am
the blankety blank regiment and I represent 300 men.
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Who organizes the
events?
Most events are organized by Civil War reenactor Associations
such as WBSHA and ACWS in Southern Calif. Some of the associations
in Central Calif include NCWA and CHAS . Some units have their
own events also. Many units as a whole belong to these associations
or are recognized by the associations.
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How do I find these organizations?
Just check our Contact Us page, or click
here.
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Okay, you've
decided that the Washington Artillery is the group for you.
Congratulations, below are some of the questions we hear most
often.
What equipment
do I need for the Washington Artillery?
The basic uniform is sky blue trousers with a red welt down
the leg, red being the color of the artillery branch of service..
A red gold trimmed kepi, a red shirt, suspenders and a pair
of period shoes or something that will pass for period shoes.
Basic equipment is a canteen, we suggest a stainless
one, a cup or "Mucket', once again stainless. (rusty
tin does not taste good.) a tin or wood plate, fork, spoon
and knife. To carry it all you need is a haversack. Don't
forget period looking specs. If you need to wear glasses.
The unit will sell you letters and crossed cannons for your
kepi.
Since we also do a Union impression you will need to add a
union forage hat and brass for it.
You need your own set of welding gloves and
a period looking chair unless you want to spend your time
in camp setting on the cold, hard ground.
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What else will
I need?
When you are ready you can get the shell jacket. There are
many places to acquire this. Since we also have a Union impression
you will want to get either a "sack' coat.(unlined) or
the nicer looking shell jacket lined and trimmed in artillery
colors. We also wear gaiters as part of our uniform.
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I have the basics
and still have money burning a hole in my pocket, what else
can I get to make my gear more "complete"?
The list is endless, a tent, sleeping bag, cot, lantern, lantern
holder, a dress uniform, your own cannon, a camp box, a table,
a saber, etc. But once again, decide how much you want to
spend and talk to the guys in the unit, see what "goodies"
they bought and find out where to get them.
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How do I join the Washington
Artillery?
Fill out the application, and send it to us, along with your
yearly dues and make arraignments to come to an event. You
also need to join the American Civil War Society (click
here for their application). You avoid having to pay their
event fee when we go to their events and you get liability
insurance. And finally, call one of the officers and ask them
questions.
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Where can I
get an application to join the Washington Artillery?
To download a printable version of our application, click
here, or you can email a request for an application to
info@washingtonartillery.info.
Please note: In order to download the
printable version of our application, you will need to have
the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you
don't have a copy of this free software, click
here to be taken to the Adobe web site and get your copy
now.
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Where can I get a
copy of your by-laws?
Ask us at an event, or email a request for a copy of the bylaws
to info@washingtonartillery.info.
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How do I learn to
shoot the cannon?
We teach you how to do that and we issue you a manual for
the service of the piece. It is not rocket science! All you
need is the ability to master a few simple tasks, safely and
cheerfully.
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What about my wife
and children?
Families are more than welcome! This is a family unit and
we will make every effort to see that they are comfortable
and happy to be a part of our unit. There are limitations
on age for minors to be on the field. This varies depending
on the association and could be at least 12 or at least 14.
But they can still be part of the camp even if not allowed
on the field. Our ladies will help you wife select her clothes.
Many of our ladies have made their own dresses. The family
takes an active part in our camp, ladies doing handcrafts
such as embroidery, spinning, tatting, making quilts are a
big favorite with the public
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