Welcome to the web-page of the 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Palmetto Guard. The information contained within these web-pages will give you a sense of who we are, what we are about and something of our unit’s history.
The 2nd South are an integral part of the American Civil War Society (UK) and have been for over thirty years. Historically, we formed part of the 2nd Company in the ACWS (American Civil War Society), along with re-enactors portraying the 32nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. This long-established bond between the two groups and the ACWS remains in place to this very day and is valued by all concerned.
South Carolina was the first state to leave the Union and members are mindful of that fact as they tell the story of the Palmetto State at war.
The 2nd South are an integral part of the American Civil War Society (UK) and have been for over thirty years. Historically, we formed part of the 2nd Company in the ACWS (American Civil War Society), along with re-enactors portraying the 32nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. This long-established bond between the two groups and the ACWS remains in place to this very day and is valued by all concerned.
South Carolina was the first state to leave the Union and members are mindful of that fact as they tell the story of the Palmetto State at war.
A few of our members joining forces with the Eagles ACW group to portray a group of ANV soldiers during the wilderness.
The American Civil War Society is one of the UK’s oldest re-enactment groups. The society offers its members a range of military and civilian portrayals which they are free to adopt as their own. New members to the society are free to decide which company/unit/stand-alone section to join and to a degree what they wish to do within that structure. Most choose to join the battle re-enactment side of the society, undertaking to learn the period etiquette, drill and military conduct of the armies engaged in the American Civil War. Others opt for other roles such as giving talks to the visiting public. These often include living history presentations and handling opportunities for the public, with a special focus on younger family members. This is an area in which the 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry excels.
For those of a more active persuasion the firing line often beckons. Company I offers individual musket drill so that nobody needs to worry about safely taking the field during battle re-enactments. Company drill is often conducted alongside members of the 32nd Virginia, our sister regiment within the American Civil War Society. Both companies have a long established working relationship and usually combine to form a joint company street. A ‘street’ is a line of tents, each line representing troops from a specific state.
Across the society much can be done. Whilst many members choose to sleep in period specific white canvas tents, this is not obligatory. There is always a modern camping/caravan area set aside for those who wish to camp that way. Likewise it is not obligatory to have licensed blank firing muskets on the firing line, although this is preferred as it enhances our public re-enactment displays. Non firing or deactivated muskets can be taken onto the battlefield but do not be surprised if you are asked to take on the role of a casualty. Casualties’ play an important and valued job on the field and such a commitment is always much appreciated. Occasionally we can also provide a period loan tent for those wishing to see whether The American Civil War Society is the right re-enactment group for them. Musicians are highly sought after and the society can offer several roles to suit your inclination, such as bugler, drummer, fife player, fiddler, piper and songster. You get the picture.
Away from the company street the 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry have carved an enviable reputation for their front of house presentations and often act as the first point of contact for those visiting the Confederate lines. Children’s handling activities include dressing up as early war Confederates for family photographs, following a quiz trail through our battalion encampment, learning the drill of the period, attacking enemy cannon in safely controlled scenarios and learning about the southern soldier’s diet during the war. The attacks on the Union camp are a highlight for younger members of the public, so much so that some families have come back the next day for more of the same. This section of the society is often supported by the aptly named ‘Southern Women’ who bring to life the story of the Confederate home front through practical demonstrations of domestic crafts of the period. Collectively both sections constitute what could best be termed an open air museum quarter.
The Palmetto Guard lead the way in furthering our understanding of Confederate army food during the long years of the American Civil War. Authentic ingredients are used in the preparation and cooking of field rations familiar to troops of the Confederate Army in the Eastern theatre of the war. Our cooking demonstrations are very popular with the visiting public and have became an important part of our contribution to the success of the American Civil War Society in the exciting world of UK re-enactment.
The American Civil War Society is a family friendly society and welcomes members from all walks of life and from all over the UK and abroad. It attends events, large and small, throughout the Midlands and the North, including Wales and Scotland. Our re-enacting season usually runs from April to September. We portray Confederate troops of the mid war period.
The society attends prestigious multi-period events, multi-activity events, American Civil War specific events and private events. The word ‘event’ is often used in the hobby to mean a re-enactment weekend. Private events are usually organised by individual companies within the society and invariably kick start the season as early as March or April. They provide opportunities to rekindle friendships, field test new equipment, to remember drill and to try out new ideas. More often than not we are all raring to go and start the upcoming season as soon as we can. We sincerely hope you will feel that way too.
The society attends prestigious multi-period events, multi-activity events, American Civil War specific events and private events. The word ‘event’ is often used in the hobby to mean a re-enactment weekend. Private events are usually organised by individual companies within the society and invariably kick start the season as early as March or April. They provide opportunities to rekindle friendships, field test new equipment, to remember drill and to try out new ideas. More often than not we are all raring to go and start the upcoming season as soon as we can. We sincerely hope you will feel that way too.
You can learn more about The American Civil War Society at www.acws.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ACWS.co.uk
Group Facebook page
Group Facebook page
|
|
