Improving Your Federal Soldier Impression:

This page is designed to aid those reenactors who are seeking ways to improve the historical accuracy of their appearance and personal demeanor. While none of us would ever try to suggest that our unit provides an exact replica of a typical federal Civil War regiment in every way, we earnestly believe that we can and should try to achieve this goal. In so doing, we feel we are offering a more genuine experience for the reenactor, while better assisting the observing public in their efforts to understand the period.

Columbia Rifles "How-To" Articles:

• "The Authenticity Triad: Man, Methods, Material Culture" (J. Tobey)

The Man
 

• "Attitude is Everything" (R. Kocur)
• "How To Cuss Like A Soldier, The Basics of Civil War Profanity" (J. Tobey)
• "Accurate Impressions: More Than Money Can Buy" (J. Stiteler)
• "The Dirty Dozen: Twelve Sure-Fire Ways to Ruin Your Impression"
• "Playing Paddy Right: Some Basics of an Irish-American First Person Impression -- Part 1" (K. O'Beirne)
• "Playing Paddy Right: Some Basics of an Irish-American First Person Impression -- Part 2" (K. O'Beirne)

The Methods
 

• "Knapsack and Haversack Packing 101" (K. O'Beirne)
• "The Lowly Blanket Roll" (M. Murley)

Material Culture

• "The Indispensable Bayonet" (M. Murley)
• "Observations of Original Civil War Jackets" (J. White)

 Authentic Campaigner: this website has links to over 130 additional "how-to" articles on-line.