Recreating Company E, 12th Indiana

Civil War Living History or “reenacting” as it is commonly called represents one of the best vehicles for intense study and teaching available to anyone who wishes to experience the lives and lifestyles of men, women and children of the 19th century.   Widely popular in modern entertainment choices for the family, living history events draw crowds of people from all walks of life. Some travel hundreds of miles to experience the unique, first person glimpse of life from the 1860's. The demand for Civil War reenactments grows annually as more and more communities seek to include historical events in their yearly celebration schedules.

            Oddly, their exists a myth of unavailability among people who attend these events and become interested in participating in this hugely rewarding family hobby. "How can I get involved?" is the single most asked question at any given event. The answer is surprisingly simple. ASK!

    COMPANY E, 12th INDIANA VOL. INFANTRY is a group founded on the very principals of FAMILY FUN plus EDUCATION for anyone interested in this ever growing and popular pastime. Based in central Indiana, we are conveniently local to many great reenacting venues and within a fairly easy drive of many major events both south of the Ohio River & the Eastern Theater of Operations of the Civil War.

            We want to present to the public an accurate portrait of the common soldier of the Civil War period of 1861-1865.  However, while we stress authenticity, we are not strictly of the school that says everyone must be equipped in exactly the same manner.

            Recruits are free to accrue their recreated uniforms and equipment in the most economical means, from the vendors of their choice, and at a pace that is reasonable to their financial means.   All equipment purchased from sutlers or manufactured by the members themselves must meet minimum authenticity standards as outlined by our Authenticity Officer or NCO of the unit. (Please don't be in a hurry to buy anything… you may be able to get it at less expense or of better quality if you check with other members of the company before you buy.) Members are given a list of basic equipment and uniform requirements for participation at uniformed events.

            Recruits not meeting the minimum uniform or equipment requirements are still encouraged to attend any Co. E event, but participation in any scheduled event may be limited.  There may be "loaner" equipment available for use by new members, but recruits shouldn't rely on this method of equipping themselves for an extended period.

Company E, 12th Indiana welcomes family participation at all company events. As we are portraying a military entity in the field, any family members wishing to accompany the uniformed participants will be categorized as Cadets (young members from the ages of 13 to 16 who wish to don the Army Blue), Camp Followers, Refugees, or Civilian Aid Societies at any living history event we attend.  This is an important part of the total package when presenting any living history.  Women and children play a critical role to the company and are encouraged to attend living histories and reenactments; but civilians are limited, for safety reasons, to those activities portrayed in the context of the above, mentioned categories. (ie, no civilian tag-alongs or Vivandiers during the battles or drills, etc.) Active field participation is limited to ages 18 years or older (age 16, if accompanied by an adult, guardian or unit affiliated sponsor).