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The 8th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, U.S. is a family oriented reenactment group portraying mid to late war western Federal infantry. Our founders saw a need for a unit doing all Federal for events located in the south. We are constantly looking for new recruits in East Tennessee and surrounding areas. The 8th prides itself in having a well stocked quatermaster depot to assist new recruits with outfitting until they can purchase their own gear. If it's time for you to heed the call to defend the Union, e-mail us at eighthtnus@yahoo.com, introduce yourself, and soon you too can be wearing army blue!

Capt Steve Lundberg

Recruiting Officer

Here are some of the basics of reenacting with the 8th TN US...

TIME: Reenactment events are full weekend events with camps being accessible on Friday and battles on Saturday and Sunday. Most events have religious services on Sunday morning. Our members are encouraged to come to the events on Friday and stay the full weekend. This is not a hobby where you can just drive to an event participate in the battle and then leave as soon as it is over. Most of the fun is enjoying the camaraderie in camp during the evening and times between the battles.

DRILLS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: We are a military unit and you will have to learn some rudimentary military drill. This means that you must be in a physical condition in order to be able to keep up with the unit at reenactments. We drill fully dressed out, and wearing wool during the summer in Tennessee can be fatiguing.

ANNUAL COSTS: Annual dues are $12 person/$24 family. This money is used to help purchase company equipment, put out the quarterly newsletter, and buy other accessories for the unit.

EQUIPMENT COST: This can be a tidy sum of money. New members are not expected to go out and buy everything they need all at once. The unit has an ever growing and well stocked quatermaster depot of used clothing and accoutrements that you are more than welcome to use. If you do decide to join the unit, you would be expected to be fully equipped within a year to 18 months. We caution newcomers not to purchase any items of clothing or equipment until they have a chance to see what the unit normally wears and what our members recommend for you to buy. In this hobby it is very easy to buy something that looks neat but never have the opportunity to use it.

The following are the Equipment Basics...

1. COVER (HAT)
Slouch hat (black), forage cap, or kepi. The quality of these hats can vary greatly. Without getting into a treatise of hats, good advice is to examine each for workmanship and material. Look for a thick leather brim and substantial interior stitching.

2. COAT
This would be the fatigue or "sack" coat, a four button, woolen jacket. These can come unlined or lined with interior pockets.

3. TROUSERS
Made from sky-blue kersey wool with button fly and pockets.

4. SHIRT
The standard shirt would be the unbleached muslin government issue type, had a collar and four wooden buttons. Several homespun civilian shirts are also acceptable, and these can vary greatly in fabric and design.

5. ACCOUTREMENTS
Cartridge Box - Model 1855 .58 caliber black leather
Cartridge Box Strap - Black leather
Cartridge Box Tins
Breastplate - Brass US issue
Cartridge Box Plate- Brass US issue
Waist Belt- Black leather
Buckle - Brass US Issue
Cap Box - Black leather with wool inside

6. CANTEEN
This is a must! You should never take the field without a canteen an an adequate supply of water.

7. HAVERSACK
US Tarred Black Haversack

8. BROGANS (BOOTS)
US brogans, black leather, rough side out, pegged soles, heel plates recommended. The most important consideration is that they are comfortable. You will be doing a lot of walking in these shoes as an infantryman and you should be sure that they fit well with a heavy pair of WOOL SOCKS on.

9. MUSKET
1853 three band Enfield Rifle or 1861 three band Springfield Rifle. NO OTHER RIFLES ALLOWED. Occasionally, a second hand weapon may be found for sale but make sure someone knowledgeable inspects it before purchase. Even though you will not be firing live rounds, a defective weapon is a danger to you and your filemates.

10. BAYONET AND SCABBARD
Make sure you buy your bayonet at the same time you purchase your musket. This way you are ensured of a proper fit.

11. SHELTER
There are two acceptable forms of shelter for an infantry private at a reenactment; the A-Frame or the Dog Tent (2 shelter halves combined). These prices generally do not include the tent poles or stakes which can be made quite easily for a few dollars and 30 minutes of your time.

12. WOOL BLANKET

13. MESS KIT
Tin cup, metal plate, utensils, cooking equipment.

14. OTHER CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Knapsack, greatcoat, poncho/gum blanket, vest, wool gloves, pocket knife, drill manuals, journal & pencil