Our primary impression is that of the Fifth Missouri Infantry, Company A. This unit was formed from Johnson County recruits and served under General Sterling Price in the Missouri State Guard, then in General John S. Bowen's division of the Confederate Army of the West, and eventually under Warrensburg's Brigadier General Francis Marion Cockrell as part of the Army of Tennessee.  While part of the MSG's 8th Division, the company fought at Carthage, Oak Hills and Lexington Missouri & Elk Horn Tavern Arkansas. The 5th Missouri Regiment was formed in 1862 in Mississippi under the command of Col. James P. McCown of Johnson County. Company A was commanded by Owen A. Waddell of Warrensburg. He was later promoted to Major and died at Alatoona Pass, Georgia. After Waddell's promotion, Capt. Royal Stokely commanded the Company until mortally wounded at Port Gibson Mississippi. Capt. Barnett Atkeson succeeded in command, and died at Franklin Tennessee.  After the fall of Vicksburg, the Regiment was consolidated with the 3rd Missouri, and served with distinction until eventually surrendering near Mobile Alabama on April 9, 1865. Some members returned west of the Mississippi River following Vicksburg and served out the war under General John S. Marmaduke. Back to Index
 

          We are a "living History" organization that tries to depict, with as much historical accuracy as possible, events and life during the war between the states.  We seek to educate our selves as well as the public about this key era of our nations history.  We do this by participating in camp life and reenactments, as well as by giving presentation to schools and civic groups. A major facet of reenacting is the personal enjoyment gained by performing well in front of the public and by [participation in the camaraderie of the camp.  We welcome wives and family members, & help them find authentic roles to play. Back to Index
 
 

          We participate in battle reenactments and skirmishes both large and small; locally and distant.  We average about a dozen events a year. (Attend the ones you can, Three events will keep your voting status).  We also do living history displays at historic sites and Individual and group presentations to schools, and civic organizations.  We also some times participate as extras in movies and miniseries (i.e.. "Gettysburg") Back to Index
 
 

     Expenses of historical reenacting are moderate, and compare favorably with many other hobbies.  After acquiring the necessary gear, continuing cost are relatively low.  If a new reenactor bought everything at retail, he'd spent about  $1,000 to become fully equipped.  Bargains are available and sewing talents cuts the cost considerably. We normally allow a year or more for a new recruit to acquire all needed gear. Since we are enjoying federal tax-exempt status as an organization, costs related to participation are deductible as charitable contributions if you itemize your returns. Back to Index
 
 

BECOMING A SOLDIER
        To be accepted as a full member of our unit, you must do a number of things. First, you must pay your dues to the unit and to the Missouri Civil War Reenactors Association. Second, you must demonstrate a bona fide effort to acquire necessary gear by making, ordering, or buying a portion of it. Third, you must demonstrate a desire to learn about reenacting by attending meetings, drills, events and demonstrations. Finally, you must be recommended by an experienced member of the unit who has volunteered to be your sponsor. Normally, he will be someone who lives or works near you, so you can easily contact him to answer your questions.
Your sponsor will also work with you before your first event so you have some idea of the rudiments of drill and the manual of arms. When the sponsor feels you have made a sufficient commitment, and you have fulfilled the requirements set out in the corporate by-laws, he will recommend to the membership that you be accepted as a Veteran Soldier. You can participate in the ranks as a recruit before becoming a Veteran, but only Veterans can vote for field officers or hold rank.

SAFETY
        Safety is absolutely paramount. We can ill afford to injure a spectator or another reenactor, and we sure don't want to hurt ourselves. However, black power firearms -- like all guns -- are dangerous if handled carelessly, so we insist that you read and understand our unit safety guidelines before being allowed to participate in any field actions.

AUTHENTIC BEHAVIOR
        We try to be as historically accurate as possible, so we do not mislead those watching us. Some spectators are very knowledgeable about the period we portray, and even minor errors on our part could discredit our entire impression.

RESEARCH
        You'll feel the need to do some research on your impression, the history of your unit, and history of the battles you reenact. As you start out, other reenactors are good sources. Local libraries often have decent civil war collections. When you enlist, we'll provide you with a suggested reading list along with your guides to drill and manual of arms.

MILITARY BEARING
        We portray military men, and should remember that discipline was harshly enforced in the 1860's. While our officers and non-commissioned officers are elected, we should act as though they had real authority to enforce discipline. We also should understand that they are not professionals, and don't drill any more often than the privates, so we need to be understanding of their mistakes and do nothing to make their job harder. Bitching -- on the other hand -- is authentic and there's nothing wrong with some good, period complaining if done in the right spirit.

FARBISMS
        "Farb" is a term of unclear origins, which generally means displaying gear or behavior inappropriate for the time period we portray. For example, modern eyeglasses are "farb." Synthetic fabrics are "farb." Sleeping bags and ice coolers are "farb", but acceptable in certain situations if kept concealed from the view of spectators and other reenactors. Cigarette smoking is "farb", but pipe and cigar smoking are allowed if appropriate pipes/cigars are used. A good reenactor strives to eliminate all visible farbisms.

DRINKING
        Drunkenness was frowned upon by the armies of the 1860's and is even more inappropriate today. Never drink alcoholic beverages when the camps are open to the public. Moderate consumption after spectator hours will not normally be chastised -- as long as it does not lead to loud or disruptive behavior and is carried on circumspectly using your tin cup.

LANGUAGE
        Profane language and racist comments are not to be tolerated. While these were common among the soldiers of both armies in the 1860's, they are inappropriate in today's context. Nineteenth Century attitudes can be depicted in an in-offensive manner with a judicious selection of terms. Twentieth Century language and terms can be used when explaining things to visitors around camp, but discussion of 20th-Century subjects should be avoided until after visitors have departed. Back to Index
 
 

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
    To meet the Veteran Voting Status.

FOOTWEAR:  M1855 Jefferson Brogan with heal plates.
TROUSERS: Military Jean Wool gray.
PERIOD HAT: Military Kepi Jean Wool gray or Civilian.
MUSKET: Three-band .577 cal. P1853 Enfield Preferred.  (Armi-sport suggested)
                Acceptable weapons 1842 or 1861 Springfield Three-band .577 cal
LEATHER ACCOUTERMENTS: Cartridge box with sling, cap box, Waist belt.

    REQUIRED WITH IN 12 MONTHS
    To meet standards.
SHELL JACKET: Columbus Depot Style Type I or II (Western Theater), Jean Wool gray with French        Blue Collar and cuffs.
FEDERAL SACK COAT: Federal 4 button.
FEDERAL TROUSERS: Military Federal Sky blue kersey.
FEDERAL HAT: Military Kepi dark blue or Black Civilian.
SOCKS: Wool.
CANTEEN: Any period type.
HAVERSACK: Federal Issue ("Tarred" or White), or Home made.
BAYONET WITH SCABBARD: Appropriate to weapon.

    OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS
PERIOD EYE GLASSES: Contacts acceptable
SUSPENDERS: Linen, Canvas, Leather, or Ticking (NO Elastic)
MESS KIT: Tin cup, Tin plate, period type Fork & Spoon
WOOL BLANKET(S): Or period type Quilt.
SHELTER: M1862 Shelter Halves, Rubber gum blanket or poncho. A-tent acceptable.

    OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Extra Shirts
Additional Trousers
Federal Double Knapsack
Period Underwear
Period Personal Items
Civilian Clothing (Frock or Sack Coat) Vest
Overcoat (Federal)
Revolvers
Percussion Shotgun
Alternative hat (Civilian if your primary hat is Military)

KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS!  Since the Fifth Missouri Infantry CSA Inc. is is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization, your dues and all legitimate expenses with reenacting are tax-deductible.

Follow the link to the Enlistment Application. Print the form on your computer and fill it out and mail back to the address listed with your dues.  You may also bring the completed form to our next event.  We'll tell you more about what we do and let you decide for yourself before you make any financial commitment.  Membership dues entitle you yo voting rights for corporate officers, and a monthly news letter dealing with our activities. in order to become a member of the fifth Missouri Infantry, membership in the regional MCWRA is also required. Back to Index
 

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