Five Forks Living History
A SGLHA event at Five Forks NPS

March 27-28, 2004

This webpage was designed to help the participants at this event put their impressions together and better prepare for this event. If you have any questions, please ask: don_barnett@hotmail.com

 General Rules:

1. We will be portraying Carpenter’s Alleghany Battery.  Demos are currently scheduled for the public on Saturday only however we will have an opportunity for some work on the guns on Sunday if weather is permitting.
2. Wear your best stuff. We would rather see an excellent "second choice" item than a questionable "first choice" item 100% of the time.

3. Overall, condition of uniforms and equipment should be well worn. Blue/Gray Kersey should be worn whenever possible.
4. The term "jean" is used generically to include jean, satinette, cassimere, etc
5. Try and wear as many preferred items as possible. Dress to the impression.
6. Absolutely NO MODERN ITEMS on your person. These include cigarettes, lighters, saline solution, etc Obviously, this goes without saying.

 Drill

Drill will be the focal point of this event. Randy Davis and other instructors will be working hard to make sure we hone our already great drill. Marching, loading, moving the cannons and other artillery procedures will be practiced throughout the weekend.

Clothing

Outer Garment:

-Preferred: Tait jacket.
-Second Choice: Richmond Depot Type II or III in Blue Gray Kersey.
-Third Choice: Richmond Depot jacket in jean.

Trousers:

-Preferred: Richmond Depot Trousers in Blue/Gray Kersey.
-Second Choice: Any documented Confederate style trousers of jean.

Shirts:

-Preferred: Confederate Issue shirts
-Second Choice: Any cotton civilian shirt is acceptable. Checks, plaids, stripes, and solids are all acceptable. Please try and keep the colors on the subdued side and stay away from prints.
Other: Federal issue shirts.

Drawers:

-Preferred: Any drawers of correct pattern, construction, and materials are acceptable.

Headgear:

-Preferred: A well-worn military or civilian hat. For the purposes of these guidelines, untrimmed Hardee hats are considered acceptable.
-Second Choice: Cap/Kepi in Blue/Gray Kersey or jean.
-Avoid: All other types of hats or caps.

Shoes: Per NPS regulations, all participants must wear shoes.

-Preferred: Confederate shoes.
-Second Choice: Federal issue shoes.
-Third Choice: Boots.

Canteens:

-Preferred: US M1858 "Smoothside" or M1862 "Bulls-Eye" canteens with no cover and with leather or CS sling.  http://www.southernguard.org/education/canteens.html
-Second Choice: CS tin drum or wooden canteens

Blanket:

-Preferred: CS or US issue blanket, NC blankets.

Ground Cloth:

-Preferred: CS tarred canvas.
-Second Choice: US gum blanket.

Carriage:

-Preferred: I&C packs or Federal packs or bedrolls
-Second Choice: Kibbler, Mex War, or bedrolls.