As a group our goal is to portray as accurately as possible the men of the
California Column that we might better understand and share some of what they experienced. Our events are structured in such a way to help put participants in some small way experience what life as a California Volunteer might have been like. We maintain 1st person throughout events and expect a high level of authenticity in the uniforms, gear, and equipment used. Acurately depicting history improves our own experience and those of our comrades. Carelessness with 1st-person, improper gear or equipment, shortcuts for comfort or budget, inatention to drill and duty, an unwillingness to face challenges all can all hinder all of us from a better understanding of history. As brothers in this exploration of history we out to ourselves and to one another to do better.
Being a soldier in the 1860's was not fun and games but serious work. During events we follow a military chain of command and may be required to follow or give orders according the the scenario. We expect participants to be prepared to shoulder the burdens of a soldier just as they did: whether it means hours of drill or guard duty, carrying a heavy pack on the march, preparing meals from limited rations, or sleeping in the open air. Much of the experience of soldiers whas not knowing exactly what was going to occur, to help replicate this our scenarios are planned and organized in such a way that not even the military leadership is aware of what is going to happen during an event. At times unforseen obstacles and difficulties will present themselves and it may be necessary to buckle down and muddle through as best one can or use a bit of Western inginuety to find a solution.
We are continually looking for ways to more accurately depict the men of the California Column. Our uniform and equipment standards are exacting and we are continually seeking ways we can improve the material aspects of endeavors. Our immersive events are rigorous and physically demanding and structured in such a way to provide experiences that will better help us understand the men we depict. We continually read and study to make sure we are presenting as accurate a picture of history as possible.
In these pages you will find some of the guidelines we have come up with to help in this effort. Keep in mind that they are just that, guidelines, which may change over time or as dictated by a specific cscenario. They are merely a place to start, not a goal to be reached.