Re-enacting is Fun!!! And Educational Too!!!
Welcome to my family's reenacting pages! I began reenacting in the Spring of 2003 at the behest of my spouse, who thought our marriage needed something. After saying nonchalantly "Yes, Dear", I soon found myself on a battlefield being shot at! Just goes to show you should always pay attention to what your spouse is saying!!! Having said that, I've had a wonderful time, greatly broadened my understanding of our unique history, and have found that reenacting has done a lot to clarify my understanding of the War between the States. My family does both Federal and Confederate impressions.
My own Civil War heritage is exclusively Northern. Several Kimmick's participated in the Civil War, all in Federal service. They were:
Berhard Kimmick, Illinois Volunteers
Felix Kimmick, 101st Ohio Infantry Regiment
Frederick Kimmick, 58th Ohio Infantry Regiment
Frederick Kimmick, 72nd Ohio Infantry Regiment
George Kimmick, 17th West Virginia Infantry Regiment
Rudolph Kimmick, 49th Missouri Infantry Regiment
Frederick may have mustered out and then re-enlisted - or may be two different individuals. If you have any information or pictures of any of the above, please contact me! My wife's background is predominantly Southern. Robert E. Lee is her great, great (...) great grand uncle!
Why We Re-enact...
I occasionally get asked why we re-enact. Too many people seem to regard re-enactors as yahoos, or adults who won't grow up playing with cap guns!
I have to say that anyone who spends any time in the camps before or after a re-enactment will find re-enactors as a group share a love of history, a desire to keep alive the memory of the brave soldiers of the Civil War, and a hope that others will come to better appreciate how events of a 150 years in the past are still with us today. They are not yahoos or little children.
Everyone who I have ever met strives to portray respectfully and as accurately as possible the soldiers of the 1860s, and many are veterans themselves. Being an historian myself, I find it extremely enjoyable to associate with people who take their history seriously enough to try to live it, and get a glimpse from the future what the Civil War must have really been like.
Our Units
We re-enact chiefly with the 2nd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company "E" and the 3rd Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company "G," although we do fall in with other units from time to time. Both provided extremely meritorious service to their states, and were involved in most of the major actions in the East.
2nd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company "E"
Company "E" was originally formed as a militia company by men from Tunbridge, Vermont in 1858. When President Lincoln called for additional 3-year volunteers in 1861, the Tunbridge Light Infantry became a part of the 2nd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The eighty-seven men forming Company "E" saw their first action at Bull Run later that year. For the balance of the war Company "E" participated in most of the major Eastern battles, culminating in the final assault on Petersburg, where the Vermont Brigade was the first unit to break the Confederate line and plant their flags on the defenses. If you are a descendant or have any information on the 2nd, please contact us!
3rd Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company "G"
The Georgians we portray enlisted in the "Confederate Light Guards" in Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia in April of 1861. The Guards were then incorporated into the 3rd Georgia as Company G. They fought with great distinction in the Army of Northern Virginia from the Battle of South Mills (April 19th, 1862) through Appomattox. Our company's able webmaster has compiled an outstanding website devoted to the 3rd Georgia -- if you have any information about the 3rd Georgia, its members or their families, please let us know!
Upcoming Events
The California re-enactment season runs from February through November. There are two organizations in Southern California that help organize events, and each may have slightly different events scheduled. Just follow the links below to see where and when the next even is being held.
Fort Tejon Historical Association
American Civil War Society
Good Reading
Since starting reenacting, I've spent a great deal of time reading Civil War publications, and decided to compile a list of worthwhile books I've run across. Please bear in mind this list is very subjective! I'm not suggesting these books are the only works worth reading, or that I agree with the opinions or conclusions contained, just that I found them interesting!
Check Out My Peevs...
Re-enacting as a hobby is under stress as Federal and state lands are increasingly closed to re-enactments despite an incredibly good safety record! Find out what you can do to help!
