I was really intrigued when I heard on NPR that it was going to be the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2011. This lead me to search for a few reenactments in the Southern California area. Even though I am from Georgia, I was never able to go see a reenactment in real life, instead I would always see a mockery of people role playing during this era. I believe that a lot of us take our history for granted and wanted to educate myself some more, and see a little bit of history at the Moorpark Civil War reenactment. This was supposedly the largest in the Southern California area, so how could I go wrong? I really didn’t know what to expect when I first got to the battle grounds, but it was cool to find out that there were a lot of people willing to educate the public about both the weapons and culture of the era. We first walked in to find tented grounds, of both the Union and Confederate.
It was apparently lunch time as well, which they were also keeping in character.
Also to kill the time, there were a few “confederates” performing for us. This was just a easy going time before the battle begins.
I love the dedication it takes for these people to remain in character as well as perform for the public. It’s great to see enthusiasm for something you love.
The undertaker looked a little too kind, usually they would be a little more grim.
I loved going around and getting a few portraits of the people at the camps. The attire is perfect, I wish we were still conscious enough to make ourselves look like gentlemen and ladies at all times.
Prepping the guns for battle.
View of the campgrounds, and someone a little out of character on their phone.
A fountain pen was also being used, how appropriate.
Some dishes that were setup after their meal was complete.
Some more hungry Confederates.
I just love this portrait, it sums up what some wartime heros would have been felling. The emotion tells it all, but maybe it was because he wasn’t having fun being in character.
Cannon presentation, which I thought would be the battle grounds. But the rain that soaked the fields the previous day created a hazard for the re-enactors.
The Union base camp.
And a Union tent.
Let the battle begin!
