The Southern Nevada Living History Association also provides demonstrations on uniforms and accoutrements for the public.Įvery person I spoke with mentioned the importance of education about the Civil War, especially in the current political climate. The organization provides Union and Confederate uniforms for the kids to wear for the day and gives them marching orders on the basis of fostering discipline and historical education. The Nevada Civil War Historical Society features demonstration days for the local youth. One of the members said, “Every day I learn something new” because there is “so much unknown about the Civil War.” 2 Reenacting is a learning experience for the reenactors and for the public and spectators. These groups put forth considerable effort studying many facets of the Civil War, from the deeper meanings of the war and military tactics to knapsack contents and uniforms. Their push for authenticity in memory, and uniforms are tied to their educational goals.Ĭivil War reenactor’s mess kit. Because of their drive for commemoration and performative historical memory, these groups keep aspects of the Civil War alive in Las Vegas. Some of them listed heritage, personal military service, and the desire for an authentic experience. When asked why and how they do what they do, they gave several reasons, but three consistent concepts stick out: memory, education, and place.Ĭivil War memory is important to each person for specific reasons. Researching a seminar paper, I had the opportunity to conduct oral interviews with a few members from each association. Both of these groups participate in Civil War demonstrations and reenactments at the Old Mormon Fort in downtown Las Vegas and at Spring Mountain Ranch, about 30 minutes outside of town. 1 The social and cultural meaning of the Civil War has strong resonance in Nevada because of two modern groups: the Southern Nevada Living History Association and the Nevada Civil War Historical Society. No actual battles were fought here, but the state has an intriguing relationship with the war because of the legislation the war fostered. Nevada became a territory in March 1861, a month before the war began, and achieved statehood on October 31, 1864. The state’s origins are framed by the Civil War. As we got closer we could hear orders being shouted by a teenage boy.
BATTLEBORN THE ARCHIVE FULL
When we parked we could see a canvas tent and a few men in full Union uniform dragging a cannon from the asphalt parking lot toward “camp.” Gathering our picnic blanket, sunscreen, and snacks, we headed around a barbed wire fence and toward the one shade tree. On a cool, quiet morning in late April, we turned off the highway and up the winding dirt road to a green field nestled against the mountains.
BATTLEBORN THE ARCHIVE SERIES
Photo credit: Shae CoxĮditor’s note: This is the first in a series of pieces focused on Las Vegas and its regional identity which will be posted before and during the NCPH Annual Meeting in Las Vegas in April. Civil War reenactors near Las Vegas, Nevada.
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