The premise of the NCWC is to portray field troops and civilians during the mid-war period, specifically the spring and summer of 1863. We in the 19th Indiana attempt to hold to this principle, basing our historical impression on the period just prior to Gettysburg. We portray field troops who have been in the army for nearly two years. We do not polish brass. We try to achieve the dirty, casual look of the combat veteran who knows that staying alive and comfortable are more important than looking nice. In battle we are aggressive and we take pride in using tactics which real veteran troops would have used during the Civil War.
Each unit of the NCWC has its own guidelines regarding authenticity. The 19th Indiana takes the following stand: the basic uniform and equipment of each member must be authentic. That is hat, coat, shirt, trousers, shoes, leather gear, haversack, canteen, and weapon. 20th Century underwear is acceptable, since the public should not be viewing it. No modern-style shirt or shoes will be allowed. Hats must be the regulation Hardee hat. See detailed information in the uniform and equipment section.
During the day, spectators visiting our event will be wandering through our camps and our job is to make them to think they just stepped into a time machine. We do make certain allowances because we live in the 20th century. For instance, field troops would not have carried ammunition boxes with them, but some of us use authentic style ammunition boxes to conceal our farb (modern day articles) gear and food. The rule of the day is: nothing from the 20th century should be VISIBLE in camp. 20th Century items should be hidden under blankets or in period boxes or barrels. Soft drinks should be drunk from period tin cups.
During the evening hours and at night, members of the 19th Indiana are free to do whatever is most comfortable. Some of us like to period camp, while some of us prefer to modern camp. Whichever way you would like to is up to you. For those of you who do modern camp, we do try to camp close together for the convenience of tracking down members as well as for the companionship. The 19th Indiana has no official policy regarding evening comfort when no spectators are present to see us.
The 19th Indiana is big on attendance. The NCWC holds approximately four (4) events per year. The 19th Indiana participates in all of these events. We cannot force our members to attend every event, but we strongly encourage regular attendance. If you know before joining that you will not be able to attend regularly, please let us know when you enlist, so that we may know what level of participation to expect from you. We also try to attend a couple of the WCWA events throughout the year in Washington. These are not mandatory events.
Due to our limited numbers, the NCWC command structure is somewhat different than the real Civil War army (or any other army for that matter). In the NCWC, and hence the 19th Indiana, the rank of company commander depends on the number of men in the company. There must be at least 8 men on the muster role of a company in order for the company to exist.
Company commanders and NCO’s are elected by the members in the company, elections being held each year. In the 19th Indiana, our leaders are chosen not for their knowledge alone, but, more importantly, for their attendance record and their dedication to the company. No one can hold office who has not been a member of the company for at least one year.
Women and children are welcome to join the NCWC. The presence of ladies in period dress helps paint a broader picture of the Civil War period. The women of the Ladies’ Auxiliary portrays a wider spectrum of Civil War period ladies on the “home front."
