About the Reenactors
The Reenactors of the American Civil War (RACW) is comprised of Northern
California residents dedicated to the accurate recreation of the
experience of our countrymen and women who lived and died during the War
Between the States. We are a private non-profit organization, chartered
for education of the public about what it was like during the American
Civil War. This is achieved by reenacting Civil War era activities during
events and by giving school presentations .
Reenactors are volunteers who commit their own time and money to create
the best possible impression of life in the 1860s. We spend hours
researching our hobby. They not only study the war, but also the people
and how they survived the bloodiest of all American conflicts.What
You Will See
Forward pickets will be pushed back by advancing skirmishers. This is
testing the enemy line. Cavalry may take the field to aid in removing any
remaining resistance and check the flanks. Before advancing the main
force, artillery will open fire. (The artillery is very loud. To ease the
sound, slightly open your mouth to equalize the pressure. To further
lessen the noise, you can cup your hands over your ears, with your palms
to the back of you. DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGERS IN YOUR EARS!) Then,
units of the main force will begin to move on to the field. Opposing
troops will take countering positions and advance. As lines move toward
each other, the situation becomes tense and confusing. Fighting continues
until one side is forced to withdraw from the field. The medical staff
will then move out to help those who can be helped. Unlike what took
place over 140 years ago, the Reenactors will announce, “RECALL”, meaning:
The battle is over and everyone comes “back to life”, the troops reform to
address the audience.
The Civilian Corps
Members of this group portray many essential noncombatant roles including
nonmilitary medical personnel, weavers, inn keepers, journalists,
photographers, teachers or just about any other civilian presence. They
attempt to set up a “town” at our events in order to depict the lives of
the civilian population and how it was greatly impacted by the war that
was going on all around them.
How can I learn more?
If you want more specific information take one of our brochures at the
town hall tent and talk with one of the Reenactors at the US or CS
headquarters. They will be glad to tell you more. They can tell you how to
find and purchase equipment and what is and is not acceptable in the terms
of equipment. There will be some of our suppliers or “suttlers” at the
event if you are interested in jumping right in. You may make arrangements
with one of our units to try reenacting as a guest without paying the full
membership dues first. And they will even loan you the equipment, if
available, to “play”.
For more information http://www.RACW.org
or call: Bill Allen at 530-891-0489 or Steve Kernsat 530-472-3437