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The American Civil War!
The War Between The States was the first "modern" war and
the last "chivalrous" one. It was the largest war ever waged in North
America. It resulted in more casualties than all the other wars Americans fought in
combined. It involved wartime developments such as the first battle between
ironclad ships, the first national income tax, the first land mines, the new "total
war" concept and the introduction of inventions from instant coffee to aerial
reconnaissance.
The War Between The States was an event of great human drama.
Brother fought against brother, classmates pitted in combat against each other, crucial
battles which could have gone either way. In its four terrible years it produced
acts of courage, acts of cowardice, acts of genius, military bungling, terrible brutality
and selfless sacrifice. It was the first major war to be recorded through the
miracle of photography and when it was over an industrialized printing industry produced
an unprecedented barrage of personal narratives, regimental histories and military
studies.
We look back now and see the war as a pivotal point in our nation's
history. A war which ensured the unification of the nation under a strong national
government. This war, like no other, continues to fascinate people all over the
world!
The Northwest Civil War Council (NCWC) is a non-profit living history
organization dedicated to educating the public and our members about the American Civil
War. Through membership in the NCWC one has the opportunity to recreate portions of
the past in educational drama at reenactments, through which the spectator, as well as the
participant, discover and learn more about their history and the people who lived during
the year 1863 in Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Living history is our hobby and is one of the most dynamic mediums
available to those in pursuit of the past. A reenactment is a gathering of period
personalities living and working within the event portraying their particular
impression. Our members wear authentically reproduced clothing, utilize blackpowder
weapons, cook over open fires and sleep in canvas tents while they participate in battle
reenactments and military or civilian life. Many speak in the manner and use the
etiquette of the mid-19th century, they write in journals of their experiences and work in
1st person at events -- all in the name of "living history".
The NCWC is an umbrella organization that represents the reenacting
units making up its membership. The organization sponsors events throughout Oregon
State and supports events by participation in adjoining states. Events sponsored by
the NCWC are organized by reenactor coordinators and approved by its board of directors
and planning committee for its yearly reenactment calendar.
If you have the urge to step back in time for that split second when
you really feel like you are there, or if you want to recognize the sacrifice our
ancestors made by following in their footsteps in this way, or if you are interested in
learning about the intricacies of the mid-19th century by utilizing the knowledge of
others as well as your own research to portray a character of 1863 explore our pages and
get involved in this most unusual hobby by joining a unit today!
This page was updated on 04/24/08
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