Civil War volunteer skirmishes and camp

The Civil War encampment goes beyond what you learn in history class, said Russ Hahn Civil War volunteer.

"We want to bring a human aspect to the whole entourage of the Civil War era," Hahn said. "We relate first hand stories and intertwine them into a persona."

Hahn is chairman of the Nevada Civil War Volunteers' Rendezvous event.

The Civil War volunteer skirmishes and camp will be re-enacted at noon and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

About 60 volunteers from Nevada will be joined by members of Civil War societies from California, Oregon, Idaho and Utah.

The weaponry will be authentic reproductions including 1861 and 1863 Springfield rifles, 1860 Colt pistols and other rifles, cannons, bayonets and sabers.

"We want to assimilate the soldiers firing at each other and the confusion that could take place," Hahn said. "We are not recreating a particular battle but we try to use maneuvers coming from that era as much as possible."

Volunteers will wear nearly-authentic costumes from the 72nd New York Union Brigade, Company C of the United States Army and the South Carolina Sharp Shooters of the Confederate side.

In a separate location, volunteers will recreate a civilian camp with exhibitions from the Calvary and the Pony Express in addition to herbal remedies, spinning, knitting and merchants selling time-appropriate wares.

One of the more interesting appearances is that of the herbal remedists, that create treatments from books and recipes from the time, Hahn said.

"They were backwoods," he said. "They had people taking things that could have killed them. They didn't know the full consequences. "

Hahn said the volunteers always remind Rendezvous-goers that these treatments should not be used today.

Anyone with an interest in history can join their organization, Hahn said.

"As long as you play by the rules, understand the issues of the time period and want to achieve an aspect of living history, then you can join us," he said.

IF YOU GO

What: Civil War battle re-enactments

When: noon and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Where: Mills Park