Civil War Encampment Portrays Life During the War at Festival

Published by the Scott County Virginia Star on Thursday, September 2, 2010.

Dr. Randy Byington
Special Writer

Editor’s note:The following feature article is about local folks involved in a county-wide festival, “Explore Scott County.” The festival, set for Sept. 18 with most activities centered at the Scott County Horse Park in Dungannon, is sponsored by the Extension Leadership Council, Scott County Tourism Committee and other local businesses and organizations.

Why would anyone wear wool clothing in 90 degree weather? That is a question often asked of Joey Verbal, Captain of the 50th Va. reenacting unit.

“Civil War reenactors have a love of history and love camping,” explained Verbal. “If someone enjoys both, reenacting is a great hobby.”

Members of the 50th Va. Infantry and 12th Tenn. Cavalry will provide a living history encampment at the Explore Scott County Outdoors Festival set for Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Scott County Horse Park near Dungannon.

More accurately described as living historians, reenactors are organized in groups or units that portray historically documented civil war soldiers. Local 50th Va. members portray the soldiers of Company H, a company that mustered at the Gladeville (now Wise) courthouse. The 50th Va. regiment was organized in 1861 and participated in battles at Fort Donelson and Carnifax Ferry. As a member of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, the regiment fought in conflicts from Chancellorsville to Cold Harbor.

Some interested in the hobby are curious about where reenactors acquire their gear. Verbal is quick to point out that while a small portion of the gear is made by reenactors and their families, most come from vendors known as sutlers.

“Sutlers were a part of the landscape in the 1860s, they followed the army and sold soldiers items that weren’t provided by their government,” he noted.

Today some sutlers are true to their historical roots and sell items from their tents at reenactments and others look to online sales to support their business.

“For someone portraying an infantryman, the most expensive item to purchase is the musket, they run around $625,” says Verbal.

While completely hand sewn uniforms may cost hundreds of dollars, good quality uniforms can be purchased for approximately $250. Used items may also be found for sale.

Reenactments are sometimes described as storytelling on a grand scale.

“That’s pretty accurate,” Verbal remarked.

While most re-enactors portray infantry, cavalry, or artillery, the hobby provides opportunities for many impressions. It isn’t unusual to see reenactors sitting around the campfire at night playing instruments and singing songs of the era.

At most reenactments some participants portray civilians of the era. Children are often dressed in period attire, and enjoy playing games popular during the 1860s. Spouses of reenactors are eager to demonstrate the home life of the period and discuss the hardships they faced while sons and husbands were off fighting the war.

“This is a family hobby with something for everyone,” he commented.

At larger reenactments specialty impressions are often found. Some portray ambulance corpsmen, field surgeons, undertakers, clergymen, and teamsters. At the 145th Anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Chickamauga, one family portrayed refugees. with their cow in tow, fleeing the advancing troops.

Others in the hobby portray specific individuals and are often seen in documentaries and movies.

“Locally we see Bill White as General Longstreet, David Chaltis or Al Stone portraying General Lee and Dennis Boggs portraying Abraham Lincoln,” he said.

All can be seen in various film and stage productions. Verbal and his son, Wesley, have appeared in credited roles in the movie Freedom, and as uncredited extras in several documentaries. Other members of the 50th Va. and 12th Tennessee have also appeared in movies.

Many reenacting groups portray both a Confederate and Federal unit. Saturday’s Union soldier can literally become Sunday’s Confederate soldier. Reenactors don different uniforms depending upon the needs of those commanding at a reenactment.

“We try to keep troop ratios as accurate as possible,” Verbal stated.

When portraying Union soldiers, the members of the 50th Va. become the 39th Ky. Men of Southwest Virginia sympathetic to the Union cause often traveled to Kentucky to join the Federal Army.

The Civil War camp will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the Explore Scott County Outdoors Festival.