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Become a part of the most exciting living history organization
in the country.
Feel the excitement of firing a Civil War cannon during a heart-throbbing battle reenactment.
Feel real horse power as you drive a team of artillery horses into action.
Or enjoy a leisurely
evening around the campfire with your best friends.
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We are made up of various groups:
- Cannoneers - service and fire our four artillery pieces
- Drivers - care for the horses and drive the teams that pull all of our rolling stock into postion
- Signal Corp. - An aspect of command and control that deals with communication
- Artificers - maintain all of our equipment in top operating condition
- Sanitary Commission and Civilians - support all non-military functions including medical, teamster and
townspeople
Whatever your historical fancy, CHAS can accommodate you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get started? The best way to start is by attending an event near you.
You can talk to current members and see first-hand what we do on and off the battlefield.
If you're interested, you may be able to attend an off-season training event to get the feel of
participation without the pressure of public performance. If you would like to know more please contact
Wes Faubel for information.
- When are the events? The event calendar is published in The Cannon's Mouth newsletter and on our website. Most events take place starting in late spring and ending in late fall.
- How much will it cost?
- Is CHAS Union or Confederate? We represent Batteries L & M of the 3rd United States Artillery. But, we will galvanize to make the reenactment appear more authentic
- Who can join? We accept members of all ages who have a sincere interest in the history of the United States and the Civil War era. You should be in reasonable health. Minors who are interested in joining must also have a parent who will join and attend the events together. Under-age reenactors will be assigned to "Soldiers' Aid", and must be accompanied by an adult relative at all times. You do not need to be an expert on the Civil War to join but you must be willing to look and act appropriately for the time period we represent. We have a great respect for the men and women of the period we portray and expect anyone joining the hobby will share that respect.
- How do I sign up? Click here to open an application form, fill in the fields, print it out, initial or sign where required, attach your check or money order for the appropriate fee and return it to the CHAS Treasurer.
Remember that as a division of the NCWA Brigade, CHAS members must also maintain an NCWA yearly membership.
Click here for the NCWA Membership Application Form.
What is galvanizing?
At times during the Civil War, prisoners of war were offered freedom from prison in exchange for service in the captor's army under the condition that they would not bear arms against their own countrymen.
These soldiers were referred to as "galvanizers". This occurred most frequently out West with Southern soldiers galvanizing as Federal in order to protect the frontier settlers from hostile Indians.
In re-enacting, galvanizing is a term used to describe fighting for the opposing side in order to make the troop numbers look more realistic at a given event.
Typically, some of us will wear Confederate uniforms and fight on the Reb side.
Why galvanize?
It's kind of tough to portray an actual battle re-enactment and have 500 Federals face 50 Confederates.
By galvanizing, we are portraying the actual numbers involved more authentically and giving our ancestors on both sides of the lines the honor and remembrance they deserve.
Galvanizing also gives you a feel for what it was like in both armies. You get a different perspective wearing blue and marching behind "Old Glory" than you do when you are wearing gray
and singing the "Bonnie Blue Flag."
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