Civil War encampment part of Hoover's Hometown Days in West Branch

One hundred and thirty-three years ago, chances are you would have been a farmer, who would live and die within only a few miles of your home. When news of a great Civil War reached your ears, and if you were young and in reasonably good health you would have gone to "see the elephant". If you were a woman you would have helped by providing goods to the men at the front and kept the home fires burning. The more adventurous among you would have served in the hospitals, camps or enlisted as well.

The clothing didn't fit, the pay was late and the food was bad. But the war captured the imaginations of people who only thought of glory then as it fascinates us in the historical sense now.

You can "see the elephant" today in West Branch, IA on the August 6, 2011 at Hoover's Hometown Days in the person of the Army of the Southwest.

The Army of the Southwest, founded in 1992, has been bringing history to Iowans who wish to know more about Civil War life. Though a relatively new organization, its schedule is a busy one. The group will reenact Civil War life and battle in Winterset, Waukee, West Branch, Ogden, New Virginia, Carlisle, and Colo. Members also participate in most of the larger battles in and around Iowa. "We have turned parts of central Iowa into a door where others can go back in time," says Mike Russell, who reenacts as a member of Cobbs (Confederate) artillery.

The Army of the Southwest is unique in that both Union and Confederate armies are portrayed as well as civilians and the Invalid Corps led by Major Cedric Ruby. The Union wing, the 4th Iowa, was mustered, or assembled from throughout southwest Iowa. The unit was highly decorated for its actions at Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou and the many battles that culminated in Sherman's march to the sea. The 9th Kentucky, the Confederate wing, came from around Barnstown in that state.

Reenactments can be "living histories" in which the group pitches tents, fights skirmishes and carries on camp life as it would have been done in the 1860's", states 9th Kentucky Private Jason Anderson. "Visitors can see replicas of the tents, clothing and weaponry the would have been used by the Civil War soldier and civilian. It's fun for them and us." Visitors are encouraged to walk through the camp and visit with the reenactors.

When participating in a large battle the two wings can "galvanize" and appear as a total Union or Confederate regiment. Recruits are always welcome. "We are looking for a few good men and women to fill our unit," says Roger Shannon, sergeant of the 3rd Iowa battery. "Reenactors can and do come from all walks of life from accountants, to therapists, educators and blue collar workers. Besides those who are combatants, the ranks include camp followers, Pinkerton agents, laundresses, drummer boys and flag bearers."

"I tried the role of field nurse, but decided to be a soldier," says Ashley Pullen, who is now one of the two women in the infantry. "There were between one and four hundred women who enlisted as men. The medical exams were simply not very thorough."

Since the Army of the Southwest is composed of relatively small units, the battle tactics portrayed are "skirmishes" in which the ranks split and advance in alternating rows to flush out the enemy rather than the huge massed attacks found in full battles. After the battle spectators are encouraged to tour the camp, handle the weapons and ask whatever questions they might have. I guess you could call us “user friendly” quips civilian Norma Crawford.

The Army of the Southwest welcomes you to step inside a part of American history. For more information contact O. J. Fargo, 601 W. Mills, Creston, Iowa, 50801 or Kevin Burke, 7610 Wistful Vista Dr. #1201W. Des Moines, 50266.