Welcome to the 13th United States Infantry Recruitment Page. We are glad that you are showing an interest in preserving the history of the greatest and most tragic conflict ever to take place on American soil. There are a few things that you should know:
1. We focus on safety and authenticity. We feel it very important to accurately portray the Federal infantryman that marched through Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee during the war, but want to see everyone go home happy at the end of an event. We are as authentic as we can be, and will not jeapordize the safety of anyone to look the part. Reenacting in Texas is a very physically demanding hobby. Wool uniforms in July are not pleasant. We ask that when you join, you fill out the provided medical form immediately and send copies to both Captain Beatty and Surgeon Major Dabney.
2. This is not a cheap hobby. To complete your uniform requirements will require the expenditure of $1,700. It is not necessary to buy everything at once. We will try to provide loaner gear for your first few events, so you can be sure you want to participate in the hobby before you begin to buy your equipment. Once you commit yourself, we ask that you assemble your uniform as quickly as you can afford. Please see the Required Equipment and Vendor List. Purchase of a rifled musket will be roughly a third of your total expenditure, and members of the unit can help you in making a choice of weapons. The original 13th carried a .54 calibre 2 band Austrian Lorenz rifle. Since 2 band rifles are not allowed at most events, we suggest that you purchase a .58 cal. M1861 Springfield. Please see vendor list.
3.This is a hobby. We espouse no political doctrine or dogma, we are all civilians. We exist to educate and inform the public about the War of the Rebellion, nothing more.
If you are interested in joining, please contact us: rbeatty@dabneyeng.com