Reenact the American Civil War with the 79th
In 1991, Company C, 79th Highlanders, New York State
Militia, was formed by a group of men in Oregon to participate in Civil War
reenacting. Over the next few years, the unit grew and changed. Eventually the
Militia changed to Volunteers, but most notably, the mission changed.
The
original idea was just to have fun, but when a few young lads joined, it was
soon realized that the unit was helping the young lads grow up into successful
young men. Changes in the organization were made to foster this development of
young men, and eventually, the Cameron Highlanders of the Northwest, and the
Caledonian Relief Society were created as youth organizations.
| US Tour 1861 - 1865 T-Shirts now available! $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Contact Lt Stillwell or 1st Sgt Wilson. | |
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Download this regiment's history during the four years it served the Union Army in the Civil War!
The 79th is an authentic unit. if one of the Old Men of the original 79th walked into our camp, he wouldn't notice anything unusual. We operate as a military unit. We don't elect our junior officers and non-commission officers, the Commander appoints them. The Commander gives commands, and the NCO's make it happen. Just like it was in the army then, and just like it is in the army now. We have had many veterans of the modern military join Company C, and if you asked one them to list all of the similarities, it would be a long list. Yes, weapons and tactics have changed, but the army is still the army, and soldiers are still soldiers.
The first task in any military endeavor is the paperwork. A Cameron Highlander of the Northwest Membership Application, a Cameron Highlander Release of Liability form, a Northwest Civil War Council Membership Application, if you are under 18 a Northwest Civil War Council Minor Medical Consent form, and a Northwest Civil War Council Safety Test must be completed. If that weren't enough, when you go to the Quartermaster to get your gear, there is a hand receipt to complete.
One of the things that make our unit somewhat unique is our extensive supply of Loaner Gear. As a new Recruit, once your paper work is complete, you will be taken to our Quartermaster Section and outfitted with everything that you need to reenact. We allow you to use this Loaner Gear for two events at no cost to give you time to see if you would like to continue reenacting with us.
After two events, you need to start acquiring your own gear. You may continue to use our Loaner Gear for free as long as you are working on getting your own. The idea is for you to use less and less Loaner Gear at every event until you have all of your own gear. We would like to see you get your own gear within a year, but as we work with young lads, we are somewhat flexible as long as you are making progress. As a Recruit, the only three items that you need to provide yourself are at least 2 pair of heavy duty wool socks, a good fitting pair of black shoes or boots, and your own drawers (underwear).
As in any military organization, we need leadership and a staff. These positions require a commitment from those holding them. Leadership and staff positions are a real job. They require work. Some of them provide real leadership experience. Many of our younger lads have filled the position of Squad Leader.
In the field, Squad Leaders must know where their men are at all times, and assure that they are properly trained and cared for. It is a Squad Leader's job to teach their men everything they need to know, safety, drill, manual of arms, loading and firing of rifles, and the skills necessary to take care of himself and his equipment in any weather. When we're not in the field he needs to keep in contact with all of his men and assure they have any support they need for the next activity.
It takes a lot of work to be a good Squad Leader, and those that succeed master many skills and positive character traits along the way. Many of our young lads that succeeded at the Squad Leader position have stated that their experience with the 79th helped them accomplish many of their goals later in life.
At reenactments, we eat the same foods that were common during the war, either by issue, or foraging. Sometimes we have a Company Mess where the food is prepared by the Mess Steward, and sometimes we have Squad Cooking where the rations are issued to the men and they prepare it themselves. When we are going on a road march or out on picket duty, we issue Marching Rations. These are usually the most common of all Civil War army food, hardtack, coffee, and salt pork.
Road marches are held several times a year. These marches are usually only a few miles or so, but we do hold an annual 18 mile road march from Seaside, Oregon, to Fort Stevens, Oregon to start the Labor Day Weekend Reenactment, The March of the Cameron Men.
Battles are held during the day to help educate the public about how the war was actually fought, the weapons that were used, and how the units maneuvered. It takes a substantial amount of training to create a unit of proficient soldiers. It also takes some hard work just to take care of necessities like food and shelter. We work hard sometimes, but we do find time for other activities
Night road marches and picket duties happen once and a while, and we have been known to sit around the fire, piping, singing Scottish songs, and telling stories and jokes. You'll undoubtedly hear plenty of our history as well. American, Scottish, Civil War, 79th New York Volunteer, or the British 79th History. We have several formal evenings throughout the year including a Dining In. We also have spent quite a few hot afternoons playing shinty or swimming in the river.
Many of the lads enjoy our own unit activities far more than going into battles. It's hard to feel like you are really in 1863 when you're in battle. Sometimes the battle is is interesting enough to make us forget that they're there, but most of the time it's hard to ignore the spectators. However, when you're out in the field with absolutely nothing modern in sight, you can really feel like your sitting around the fire with those Old Men.
We believe that we have a responsibility to provide a realistic experience for our lads. We want our men to really know what it was like to be an infantryman in the Union Army. We also must always honor the Old Men of the original 79th. Everything we do, or fail to do, will either honor, or dishonor, those Old Men.
In the 79th, we work hard, and we play hard. 18 mile road marches, freezing with your mess mate on picket duty, playing shinty, or sharing a song around the fire. This combination of work and fun is what built the bonds that created our brotherhood. We are a Band of Brothers. We are The 79th Highlanders, New York Volunteers, Company C.