Getting the right look

People say that first impressions count the most, so it is important that we as re-enactors get it right first time. That means more than just putting on some costume and walking around in public - we have to do our best to stay in character too.

If you want to know how to get your clothing right, then look in the appropriate sections for men and women. This section is intended to get the right internal feel for the period, and the only way to do that is to know what attitudes and opinions the people of 1863 held. There are articles here that should help you in that endeavour.

Cigarettes

We all know the Confederates had tobacco to spare, but did they only chew it, or smoke it in pipes and cigars? Cigarettes with filter tips are obviously out-of-place, but did the average soldier smoke roll-ups? For answers to this burning question read the articles in this section.

That's Authentic!

A serious-but-fun article by John the Colours about the perils and pitfalls of trying too hard to look the part. I have made a conscious effort to avoid using the "A" word too much on this site (I prefer the phrase "Historical Impression") but this it the exception. Well worth a read.