Theater of War

[Andrew Kasmar]

Hi,

What theater of war do you mainly portray? I mainly do Trans-Mississippi with a little Western Theater of War.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Theater of War

I think for most, the response is greatly influenced by where you live... obviously due to the fact that most events within a few hundred miles of your residence, portray what historically occurred in that area.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Theater of War

I think for most, the response is greatly influenced by where you live... obviously due to the fact that most events within a few hundred miles of your residence, portray what historically occurred in that area.
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Brian Hicks

Hi,

That is very true. I would like to do Army of Northern Virginia more often, but because I live in Missouri I have only been able to go to one eastern reenactment.

[RudyN]

Re: Theater of War

I do Eastern Theater even though I live in California. I would like to go back east for a decent event some day. There as some Far Western events out here, but unfortunately I can't get to them.

[Jon The Beloved]

Re: Theater of War

I portray mostly Army of Tennessee from Tennessee - Mid to late war and I have portrayed various Indiana Federal Regiments as they were very active in Middle Tennessee where I live. I am failry new though and forsee falling in with many different regimements in the near future.

- Jon Harris

"Dippin' Gourd Mess"

[Lone Guard]

Re: Theater of War

I portray Far West Theatre; Arizona and New Mexico Territories, and sometimes the state of California (Ft. Tejon).

[Duff]

Re: Theater of War

Funny, I was just about to make this poll. Anyway, I do Army of the Potomac, Eastern Threatre, most of the time.

[Parault]

Re: Theater of War

Trans Mississippi Theater.

Since I live in Arkansas I mostly do events in the seven or eight states close to me.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Theater of War

During my time in Southern California, most every mainstream event (and there was one almost every month.. albeit the average attendance of participants was rather low compared to events in the east) were Eastern Theater based scenarios.

[Rebbeh]

Re: Theater of War

Like a good little private, I portray whatever my captain and/or first sgt. tell me to! ;) AOT, ANV, Trans-Miss... whatever.

[tater_cuffie]

Re: Theater of War

I put Western but I do mostly Trans-Miss. but thats in the Western theater lol So I guess I voted for the right theater? lol O well:tounge_sm

[YoungCampaigner]

Re: Theater of War

I live in VA, so I generally do an ANV impression.

[Arch Campbell]

Re: Theater of War

I answered Trans-Miss, but its a near-run thing with Western. I am proud to say that I haven't done an Eastern event (either in actual location or impression) in nearly 20 years.

Andrew, I'm going to guess that your interest in the War of the Rebellion is still somewhat recent. When one reads general histories of the war, the impression that comes across is that the war was fought at Gettysburg, Antietam, and in Virginia. Unfortunately, nothing could be more misleading.

Actually, Andrew, your home state was the center of the fighting in 1861. There was serious fighting going on in Missouri up through Price's Raid in the fall of '64.The men of Missouri, whether fighting within Missouri's borders or without, displayed genuine heroism- on both sides. As for the story of citizens during the war- tales of the Deep Southern home front pale compared to what Missourians went through- of both allegiances.

Obviously, Andrew, your interests in history are your own, and no one can dictate them to you. I just want to encourage you to explore the amazing history of your own state and region. I think in time you'll find it every bit as compelling as the east, and probably more.

The kicker is this: the war in Missouri, the Trans-Mississippi, and to some extent the Western Theater- they need you and I to remember them, and spread the word. If there is never another eastern theater reenactment or living history- the ANV will still be remembered. If Hollywood never makes another Civil War movie- Gettysburg will not be forgotten. Sadly, the same can't be said for the rest of the war.

Let me give an example from my own experience, and I'll get off my soapbox. A few years ago, the Hairy Nation (along with Cal Kinzer's Oklahoma boys) were interpreting at Elkhorn Tavern at Pea Ridge NMP. We were portraying Company G of the 9th Iowa, from Waterloo- my hometown. There are five members of this company buried in a cemetery not 10 blocks from my house. The 9th first went into action that day just 200 yards behind our camp at the Tavern. It was June in Arkansas and blistering hot. After demonstrations, everyone would peel off their gear and try to cool off in the shade. Everyone except me- I kept all my stuff on and stood in the sun talking to visitors, eager to explain what happened there. I had been in this hobby for well over 20 years but was as excited as if it was my first event. Dripping sweat and feeling every ounce of my knapsack (with overcoat on top- the battle was in March) burning into my shoulders, I saw a man park and walk up towards the tavern. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and I knew that seeing someone in uniform made it more real for him, and that he would be hoping I could help him make sense of the empty prairies and silent cannon. That is, until he got close enough to greet me with-

"Are you boys waiting for Pickett's Charge? Man, that Gettysburg is somethin', huh? I'm going to get there someday..."


OK I apologize for highjacking this. I could be way off base here, Andrew you indicated you do mostly Western and Trans-Miss so its quite possible I'm preaching to the choir. It was the bit about "more ANV" which prompted my foaming at the mouth. :o

We now return you to your regularly scheduled poll.

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Theater of War

Hi,

I agree people know very little about the Trans-Mississippi theater. My earlier comment was nothing against the Trans-Mississippi or the Western theater, but I was just saying what men I have portrayed. I do like studying about all of the theaters, but I am most interested in Missouri State Guard and early Army of Tennessee. That being said, I would like to reenact all of the theaters at some point. But in general I agree with everything that you posted. Thanks for your input.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Theater of War

What theater of war do you mainly portray?

What d'ya got?