Rules & Guidelines for the March

This event is meant to be a educational experience to help better understand the life of a soldier on campaign and improve upon the current impressions as an army on campaign.  You are allowed to bring any items that you feel you need to get you through the trek as long as they are period correct. Just remember, Whatever you bring with you will have to be carried on the march. That being said here are some pointers to help you prepare.

Rules to Follow for the Campaigner March

This march will be conducted as a company level event, therefore, all participants are asked to come as an enlisted private unless otherwise notified. Command structure will be designated by the event coordinators.

All participants will be on their own for food rations. We ask that participants please stick to period correct rations, If that is not possible for you, please put all rations in some type of period correct container or bag. There may be a chance to forage for some rations, however, that is not certain. There will be no way to cook any rations while we are on the march as we cannot build a fire on the trail. There can only be fires made at our campsites on Thursday night Friday morning and at the designated stop in Peru, NE on Friday around midday. All cooking pans and utensils will need to be packed and carried on the march. Please plan for this when packing for this event. Along the trail for the march, we have designated water stops (since it is not safe to drink from the Missouri River). These stops are approximately every 4 miles along the trail. Remember, this will be early October in Nebraska, and the weather can be unpredictable. It may be cool/cold at night and warm/hot during the day. If you think you'll need an extra canteen, blanket or overcoat, feel free to bring one just remember if you bring it, you'll need to carry it. 

There are a few required items that participants MUST bring on the march. Most of them are described in the Uniform Guidelines column on the right. These items include:

  • Uniform
  • Rifle or Musket with Bayonet
  • Knapsack and/or Bedroll (depending on your preference)
  • A Full Cartridge Box and Cap Pouch
  • Haversack, Canteen, Cooking Utensils
  • Ground Cloth and Blankets

Anything else you would like to bring you can (as long as it is period correct), such as a dog tent or shelter half, personal effects, etc. Just remember if you wish to bring it, you will have to carry it on the march.

Uniform Guidelines for the Campaigner March

Army of Mississippi 1862 - Uniform Guidelines

Coats/Jackets: 

  1. Jean Wool Frock Coats, preferably of an Arkansas, Tennessee or non-descript style.
  2. Columbus Depot Jackets or Mystery Depot Jackets are permitted.
  3. Civilian Militarized coats or paletots.
    • All Coats/Jackets must be made from proper materials and construction.

Shirts:

  1. Confederate issue shirts made from proper construction and materials.
  2. Civilian pattern and Federal issued shirts are okay but must be made from proper construction and materials.

Trousers:

  1. Military style jean wool trousers made from proper materials and construction.
  2. Civilian style trousers, preferably no Federal trousers.

Headgear:

  1. Period correct civilian style hats made of proper construction and material.
  2. Military or private purchase kepis made from proper construction and material.

Shoes:

  1. Jefferson Bootee, civilian shoes, or other documented style shoes/brogans, and boots (military or civilian pattern) permitted. Must be made from proper construction and materials. NO NYLON LACES, WORK BOOTS, TENNIS SHOES ALLOWED.

Leathers:

  1. Documented Confederate issue leathers from Georgia, Louisiana or Texas, including McGee & George of New Orleans, LA; Wellborn, Nichols & Oliver of Dalton, GA; or leathers from the Memphis Ordnance.

Haversacks:  

  1. Confederate Issue or Mexican War style of proper material or construction.
  2. Civilian pattern or captured Federal tarred haversacks allowed. Must be made from proper material and construction.

 Canteens:

  1. Confederate tin drum or wooden canteen of proper material and construction.
  2. Captured federal m1858 smoothside canteens allowed.

Knapsacks and blankets:

  1. Confederate issue Mex War, Kibbler knapsacks, captured federal early war double bags, single bags, hardpacks, state issued knapsacks, English import knapsacks are allowed. If no knapsack is available, bedrolls will work as well, that is personal preference. Blankets and ground cloths must be made from proper materials, patterns, and construction.

Weapons:

  1. Any 3 band Enfields, 1816 Springfield conversions or 1842/1855 Springfields are allowed.
  2. 1861 Springfields or civilian weapons are allowed but should be discouraged if possible. All weapons must be clean, in proper working order, and should have ramrods and fitting bayonets.

Questions or Comments?