31st Alabama Infantry

In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6)

 

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How Do I Get Started?

Well, you've already taken the 1st step by asking about it! If you're not sure yet that you want to join and only want to try it out first, then email us. We were all in your shoes at one time or another, so we understand what you're going through. We will review with you our upcoming schedule of events and try to pick one that would be convenient for you to participate in.

Is There Anything I Should Bring Myself?

For sleeping, you should bring a quilt and/or one or two wool blankets, depending on weather. You may use a sleeping bag, pillows, air mattress or other modern bedding, but we will want to keep these things out of sight during the day when the public is in and around the camp.

For example below.

Joining the 31st Alabama Infantry

Re-enacting with the 31st Alabama Infantry combines a love of history with theater, fellowship, and the escape from the stresses of the 21st century life. We are a group of families that enjoy acting, teaching, camping, and cooking together. We are Christian and Family oriented. All you need to start is the desire to learn, a willingness to help educate the public on this era in our Nation's history, the ability to have fun, and some free weekends. With us, the ability to "try before you buy" ensures that you won't invest a lot of money, only to find out that reenacting doesn't meet your needs.

More information on membership can be requested on our Membership page.

What Will I Be Expected To Do At the Events?

As a potential soldier member, you will be assigned to an experienced member of the unit who will be responsible for your well-being and safety. He will instruct you in the School of the Soldier including the Manual of Arms that you will need to know. You will be expected to follow all reasonable instructions given you by the NCO's and officers in the unit. Your fellow reenactors in the ranks will also help and coach you, especially on the battlefield. You'll be treated as a member of the unit in all respects, which means that you are expected to participate in any drills and help out with guard and camp duties, as required. You will also have plenty of free time to relax, ask questions, shop at the sutlers, and participate in any social activities at the event. Besides the soldier's impression, you can choose to portray a civilian such as a spy, journalist photographer, preacher, undertaker, teamster, gentleman, farmer, refugee, or other period civilian.

 

Field Doctor Impression by
Henry Howard, 31st member

Telegraph impression by Henry Blackford, of Naples, FL, great-great-great-grandson of Samuel F. B. Morse,

 

Are There Roles For Women and Children in Living History?

ABSOLUTELY!! Women played a key part in supporting the troops in the field, but remember that we are portraying the 19th century, so the roles of women were different than modern attitudes. Women and young ladies can portray refugees, nurses, laundresses, cooks, seamstresses, wives or sweethearts visiting their men folk in the army. Women can also go as spies, vivandieres, or disguise themselves as male soldiers in the ranks.

 

Women cooking in a Civil War Camp

This family of an officer providing a
home for him in the midst of war.

This handsome soldier is really a woman, Frances Clayton

 

Home Contact Us Calendar In Memory F.A.Q. Joining the 31st Unit Photographs The War of the Northern Aggression History of the Units
Links to Units, Sutlers, and Civil War.