The War Between The States was the first "modern" war and the last "chivalrous" one. It was the largest war ever waged in North America. It resulted in more casualties than all the other wars Americans fought in combined. It involved wartime developments such as the first battle between ironclad ships, the first national income tax, the first land mines, the new "total war" concept and the introduction of inventions from instant coffee to aerial reconnaissance.
The War Between The States was an event of great human drama. Brother fought against brother, classmates pitted in combat against each other, crucial battles which could have gone either way. In its four terrible years it produced acts of courage, acts of cowardice, acts of genius, military bungling, terrible brutality and selfless sacrifice. It was the first major war to be recorded through the miracle of photography and when it was over an industrialized printing industry produced an unprecedented barrage of personal narratives, regimental histories and military studies.
We look back now and see the war as a pivotal point in our nation's history. A war which ensured the unification of the nation under a strong national government. This war, like no other, continues to fascinate people all over the world!
The Northwest Civil War Council (NCWC) is a non-profit living history organization dedicated to educating the public and our members about the American Civil War. Through membership in the NCWC one has the opportunity to recreate portions of the past in educational drama at reenactments, through which the spectator, as well as the participant, discover and learn more about their history and the people who lived during the year 1863 in Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Living history is our hobby and is one of the most dynamic mediums available to those in pursuit of the past. A reenactment is a gathering of period personalities living and working within the event portraying their particular impression. Our members wear authentically reproduced clothing, utilize blackpowder weapons, cook over open fires and sleep in canvas tents while they participate in battle reenactments and military or civilian life. Many speak in the manner and use the etiquette of the mid-19th century, they write in journals of their experiences and work in 1st person at events -- all in the name of "living history".
The NCWC is an umbrella organization that represents the reenacting units making up its membership. The organization sponsors events throughout Oregon State and supports events by participation in adjoining states. Events sponsored by the NCWC are organized by reenactor coordinators and approved by its board of directors and planning committee for its yearly reenactment calendar.
If you have the urge to step back in time for that split second when you really feel like you are there, or if you want to recognize the sacrifice our ancestors made by following in their footsteps in this way, or if you are interested in learning about the intricacies of the mid-19th century by utilizing the knowledge of others as well as your own research to portray a character of 1863 explore our pages and get involved in this most unusual hobby by joining a unit today!
