The Girl I Left Behind Me

The Ladies of the 26^th Pennsylvania

Victorian era civilians complement the military side of Civil War living history. Ladies, children (men too) portray various civilian impressions from a simple farm wife to society matrons and period activists to nuns.

While most ladies opt for the soldier's wife style impressions it is not unusual to find ladies touting the Temperance or Suffrage movements; contributing to the war effort in ladies aid societies and the U.S. Sanitary Commission or perhaps as a supply arsenal seamstress. Others adopt impressions which could be found in the wake of the armies as vivandieres, refugees and laundresses.

Men have been seen in civilian guises such as politician, sutler, teamsters, even undertakers!

There are far fewer limits on civilian impressions and a far greater range of clothing to be considered. A bit of research in choosing your impression is definitely a good idea.

If you are interested in the idea of portraying a Victorian era civilian feel free to contact our civilian coordinator, Gilda, at earlydrj@panetwork.com for more information on getting started.