Company C, "Ironhead Zouaves" of the 76th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, "Keystone Zouaves" is the unit that we portray in Civil War living history/re-enactment. As the color company, we bear the state and national colors of the regiment. Our unit is organized into the Federal "Army of the Columbia" as part of the The Washington Civil War Association (W.C.W.A.).
Company C, 76th PVI, actively participates in Civil War living history/re-enactments primarily here in Washington State but we also participate in events under Oregon's Northwest Civil War Council organization. Though we always enjoy the thrill of shooting black powder at our traitorous Confederate foes in mock battles, our involvement in the community goes beyond this aspect of the hobby. This involvement includes being active in community parades, and public school events. Many members also belong to the congressionally chartered Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) and/or Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) and participated in the special 2003 unit "The Washington Territorial Guard" formed as part of Washington's Sesquicentennial (150 years) celebration. The local SUVCW camp (Camp Stevens #1) is named after Washington's first territorial governor and Civil War hero, Isaac Ingalls Stevens. General Isaac Stevens was mortally wounded at the Battle of Chantilly, Virginia on September 1, 1862.
We strive to live as the soldiers of the Union army lived--the military discipline of drill, march, and parade; the activities of camp; and when possible, taking on the persona of a soldier in their language, thoughts, and sentiments. We wear uniforms and equipment that approach historical authenticity. By living as the soldiers lived, we can provide an unforgettable educational experience to the public and immerse them and ourselves into living history. Of course we also do it because it is FUN!
The 76th PVI is a "family-oriented" unit that welcomes various styles of re-enacting/camping, depending on the soldier and their family's needs. We have soldiers that enjoy portraying garrison (tents) camp life as well as those that prefer campaign-style (limited shelter and equipment). We always seek to recruit new soldiers. To make the hobby enjoyable to families, we offer garrison-style civilian camping near the military camp. This provides a more complete immersion into re-enacting for the families of soldiers and moves people out of the mindset that they have to do "modern camping" to keep the family involved. Boy members love conducting their own "mock battles" and may participate in the "Norwich Cadets" military unit which helps prepare them for military duties and combat in the field when they get old enough to go on the field.
After taking a "general" and "infantry" safety test, being mustered in, and getting a quick lesson in "the school of the soldier", the new recruit can wear a uniform, experience the adrenaline of shooting black powder at Rebs with a musket, immerse themselves in portraying a union soldier and get started at having fun!
IRONHEADS! HUZZAH!!
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