| AUTHENTICITY GUIDELINES
Morgan's Raid represents an early war to early mid-war event. The
time period represented is July 1862. In the western theater,
this was less than one year after the large scale mobilization and
organization of forces, but did follow significant duty in the field
in the preceding months by many of the soldiers. Uniforms and
weapons should reflect this period and this service. Common,
private enlisted impressions should represent the great majority of
soldiers.
Officer impressions should be minimized to the maximum extent possible,
as should the proportion of non-commissioned officers in the ranks
(sergeants and corporals). No officer should present for service in
the battles or for living histories at the event above the rank of
captain without express permission of the event committee. (Exception: soldiers may present any rank desired at the Grand
Ball.)
Though some hat insignia was still in evidence at this point in the
war, great encouragement is given to not display such insignia to improve
the visual authenticity of the event, since few soldiers still had
these at this time. Uniforms should be consistent with those issued
to soldiers in the western theater of the war.
Weapons should be those commonly used in the war, and consistent
with the time period. No modern black powder weapons will be permitted on the field.
The event recognizes three levels of authenticity: Fully Authentic,
Near Authentic, Farby.
Please observe the following guidelines in this context:
Fully authentic impressions are strongly encouraged in all aspects
of the event. Fully Authentic implies both a correct uniform and equipment
appearance, and a correct presentation of the time period.
Near Authentic impressions are acceptable for those areas where they
are generally accepted in the hobby. These include incorrect time period
presentations which are not particularly noticeable (for example, a
bridle style that did not appear until 1864), or which may not be 100%
correct in appearance but are very near the proper appearance.
The Farby category includes presentations which are noticeably outside
of accepted authenticity guidelines. Farby impressions are expressly
forbidden at the Morgan's Raid event! They include such things as the
wearing of cowboy style boots by cavalry impressionists, blue jeans,
black tennis shoes or black modern shoes, and modern eyeglasses.
The event committee reserves the right to forbid any inappropriate living
history presentation at the event. The decision of the committee on whether
or not a presentation is acceptable is final. Those asked to correct
their impression must either do so immediately, change to spectator clothing
and not represent a living historian at the event, or leave the event.
>> Back to Top INFANTRY RULES AND GUIDELINES
Union infantry should portray a garrisoned impression.
A campaign appearance is encouraged for Confederate infantry, since
this would offer a unique education for visitors. However, an encamped
appearance is certainly also acceptable. Enlisted soldiers should carry
only appropriate authentic long arms. Officers may carry appropriate
authentic side arms.
>> Back to Top CAVALRY RULES AND GUIDELINES
Cavalry impressionists (mounted or dismounted) will be allowed to
carry any authentic weapon, including pistols and carbines.
All horse furniture should be authentic and consistent with the War
Between the States era. Saddle types may include: 1859 McClellan, Hope,
Campbell, Jennifer, Grimsley, or any other saddle common to the period. Confederate cavalrymen
may have used any of the above saddles. Union cavalrymen are highly encouraged
to ride McClellans. Modern saddles, bridles, halters and other horse furniture
are considered to be Farby and are forbidden.
A campaign camping style for Confederate cavalrymen is very highly encouraged
since this will accurately present the actual camping style of Confederate
cavalrymen during Morgan's First Kentucky Raid.
>> Back to Top ARTILLERY RULES AND GUIDELINES
Artillery was used by both sides during Morgan's first Kentucky Raid.
Morgan carried two mountain howitzers with his command, and the Union
garrison at Cynthiana had a 12-pounder cannon which it used to defend
the city. To both offer an event for the participation of artillerists
and to provide valuable education to our spectators we strongly encourage
the participation of guns and crews offering an authentic impression
of any gun or any theater of the War Between the States.
This event has proven to be very popular with the artillery branch,
and has in the past sometimes had nearly 20 guns present. Full-scale
guns are very, very highly encouraged. However, 3/4 scale guns will
be allowed with prior permission of the committee, which will take
into account the number of 3/4 scale guns in relation to the number
of full scale guns for granting approval. In the past there have never
been more than 2 3/4 scale guns present at the event. No gun under
3/4 scale will be allowed.
All static guns placed on the field will remain in place throughout
the event.
Union artillerists should present a garrisoned appearance.
Horse-drawn artillery must adhere to all the regulations pertaining
to horses under the general or cavalry sections.
>> Back to Top CIVILIAN RULES AND GUIDELINES
Morgan's Raid at Georgetown wishes to promote and assist in the growth
of civilian impressions of the era. Authentic civilian impressions
of any type are very welcome at this event. Civilians may present any
impression desired, though it should be authentic to the time period. No
civilians should be camped in the military camps, and no civilians
should be in the military camps during the periods when the public
is touring through the camps. No military flags will be displayed
in civilian camps! Please check at the Registration Tent for
special civilian activities at the event.
>> Back to Top GENERAL CAMP GUIDELINES
No modern items of any type should be visible in the camps.
Wall tents should be used for staff impressions only. Common soldiers
should not be housed in wall tents.
>> Back to Top GALVANIZING
"Galvanizing" is the changing by a unit from the impression
of one side in the War Between the States to the other, for the purposes
of balancing the number of opposing combatants on the field. For example,
if a Confederate unit changes uniforms to be a Union unit, they have
galvanized. Likewise for a Union unit changing to be a Confederate
unit. In the interests of authenticity, it is just as important
to present an authentic overall field appearance for spectators as
it is to present an authentic personal appearance. Therefore, for the
sake of the event, reenactors are asked to come prepared to galvanize
to EITHER SIDE if requested.
>> Back to Top
Download the Event Impressions
Guidelines in printable PDF format.
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