JOIN US
We Welcome You!
As you will see while browsing our website, reading our blog or looking at our galleries, we love the hobby! We love preserving history for future generations. But as importnat as the action on the battlefield with thousands on both sides, is the fun and family oriented time we spend in camp. We cook on the fire, we have wonderful evenings around the fire with stories old and new. Lots of fellowship and laughter! The unit has become a part of an extended family. Re-enacting in general, and our unit in particular, are a wonderful time away from the hectic and hassle of our modern lives.
We welcome new members. As a single person, as a couple or a family. You can join the military ranks or participate as period civilian alike.
You will not have to invest a lot to start. Most of the things you'll need like uniform, camp gear and clothing, can be borrowed from current members, you are welcome to "test drive" and see if it is the right thing for you.
More details information on what you will eventually need and how we function as a unit, you will see below.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
You can contact us via the website, or come visit us in camp at one of our next events!
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Rules
Uniforms and equipment must represent the Civil War time period. Correct attire, hairstyles, footwear, glasses, watches, etc. are expected. No modern eyeglasses, no sunglasses, clothing with zippers, desert boots, or other non-period attire will be allowed. No man or woman in uniform will be permitted to wear earrings of any type.
Members shall provide their own uniforms, clothing accessories, accoutrements, tentage, chairs, cooking utensils, etc.
All modern anachronisms such as equipment, modern food packages, coolers, cameras, water bottles, beverage cans, etc, are to be hidden from public view during public camp visitation. Modern beverages are to be poured into period correct cups for consumption. Smoking of modern cigarettes should be curtailed while in public view.
Once camp is established at an event, all members will be in proper military attire and remain so until the event is over. Civilians must be in period attire if remaining in camps during the weekend event. All civilians must strive to present the most authentic impression, in manner, clothing and accessories.
Vehicles out of camp by the time stated by the respective event regulations. Unload and move vehicle to the designated re-enactor parking area promptly. If you can not meet the time restrictions, park in the designated area and walk gear into camp.
At any event, no tents will be taken down until the event is over or unless otherwise directed.
All members are responsible for maintaining a clean, safe campsite during an event and leaving their campsite at the end of an event in as good condition as when arriving. Fire pits replaced, refuse, wood and straw collected and placed in central location.
Quiet Hours. Members are expected to maintain quiet hours in camp from 11 PM to 6 AM. During quiet hours all members and their guests shall observe appropriate noise reduction.
Members are responsible for the conduct of their respective family, guests and visitors.
Alcohol Consumption. The use or consumption of alcohol beverages by members while participating at events is prohibited until such time the event or activity is concluded for the day and closed to the general public. Any member observed to be under the influence of alcohol will NOT be allowed to participate on the gun or enter upon the battlefield.
Smoking is prohibited while working the gun or within 50 feet of the limber chest and gun. It is the responsibility of each member to watch for and maintain this rule.
Any member wishing to participate on the gun crew shall drill with the 4th Maryland Light Artillery at the event on the day of the participation.
Members are responsible for ensuring that their canteens are full of water at the start of each event and prior to each battle during a reenactment.
At any Civil War event, activity, living history or public ceremony, all members shall follow all military rules, regulations, etiquette and courtesies.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Get Outfitted
MEMBER CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Shell Jacket – Richmond Depot III in Richmond Gray wool with Maryland seal buttons.
Trousers – Gray wool
Kepi – Gray
Shirt – Red regulation or period style make of cotton or muslin
Brogans – Black regulation ‘Jefferson’ with heel plates
Suspenders – canvas with leather tabs
Wool socks - color should be gray, brown or neutral
Maryland Cross – The Maryland botany cross, symbol of Maryland Confederates, is worn on the jacket and kepi.
Canteen – The canteen is one of the most important items on your gear. This carries the only drinking water that you may have available to you on the field.
Eyeglasses – Period only eyewear if you need to wear glasses
SUGGESTED ACCOUTREMENTS
Haversack – Black ‘tarred’, canvas or white cotton to carry personal items
Utensils for eating – plates, cups, silverware
Stools/Chairs – Sitting and visiting in camp during relaxation and leisure time
Marylanders in the Confederate army were known and respected for their neat, clean appearance. They were known to be “natty” – which means to be neatly dressed, of tidy appearance, and spruce. Where as the Federal army was outfitted by the government, Confederate units were outfitted either by the respective state or by the commanders of the units. The wife of Bradley T. Johnson, major of the consolidated Maryland Line secured cloth for the uniforms and paid for making the uniforms. She paid out ten thousand dollars to uniform, underclothes and shoe over five hundred men. Thus by July 1861, the Marylanders were completely clothed and very nearly completely equipped. They wore gray jackets, trousers, and kepis. The Marylanders did seem able to keep up appearances better than other Confederate units. During the winter of 1863-1864 all Maryland units were brigaded together at Hanover Junction (near Richmond) under the command of Brigadier Bradley T. Johnson. Again, Johnson spared no effort in provisioning, equipping and clothing his men. When the Marylanders emerged from winter quarters in April 1864, they were apparently in top condition. Thanks again to Mrs. Bradley Johnson, the Marylanders were complimented and highly praised upon their neat and soldierly appearance.
Thus, Marylanders were not always rag-tag as the stereotype of the Confederate soldier would suggest. In fact, they seem to have possessed an ‘esprit-de-corps’ that motivated them to look as military and uniform as resources permitted. While there was diversity over time in the clothing of the Marylanders, they probably looked fairly uniform at any given time during the war.
Please contact us for assistance regarding the purchase of the clothing and equipment requirements of the 4th Maryland Light Artillery. It is very important that a new recruit not buy any clothing and equipment before consulting, as many items for sale could lack authenticity and may be incorrect for the period 1861-1865. For additional information, please contact us at: