Civil War reenacting can be a most enjoyable and varied hobby. It gives the opportunity for primitive camping, historical study, military tactics and weapons, and travel. Reenactors come from all walks of life and backgrounds.

The 7th is constantly on the lookout for new recruits and welcomes anyone who shares our interest in Civil War Cavalry . We are a family organization and most events that we attend have activities for all members of the family. The Ladies especially enjoy the Teas, Fashion Shows and Military Balls.

We welcome prospective recruits to stop by camp at any event that we participate in. Or you may contact Lieut. Doug Terrell, Recruiting Officer.

If you are interested in Civil War reenacting as a hobby, it is important to understand that the cost can be a factor for many folks. While it is not out of line with many forms of receation, it can be significant. The members of the 7th understand this and will do all that we can to help those interested to put their uniform and accouterments together. This process normally takes more than one year to complete. The cost is broken down later, but amounts to about $2.25 a day for 18 Months.

There are a number of sutlers [period merchants to the military] who can supply all of the items that are needed. It is highly adviseable to contact an Officer of the 7th directly before purchasing anything. When dealing with sutlers the old axsom applies - "Let the buyer beware!".

Here is a listing of the uniform items and approximate cost. This can be used as a guideline. Each pieces is listed in the approximate order of importance.

• Trousers, sky blue, mounted pattern $75, or foot pattern $65
• Suspenders - $10
• Cavalry Shell Jacket - $85 - $115
• Period Shirt (regulation white muslin or civilian pattern) - $30
• Forage Cap, Kepi or Slouch Hat - $30
• Boots (period style square toe black) $150 - $250
• or Brogans (shoes) - $80 - $90
• Tin Cup - $12
• Tin Plate - $6
• Rubber blanket (ground cover) or poncho - $35
  
• Total for basics ………….. $400 minimum
  

The basic uniform will allow a trooper to participate in Living History events and Encampments as either Federal or Confederate.

• Cavalry Shell Jacket - $85 - $115
• Forage Cap, Kepi - $30
• Trousers, Gray, mounted pattern $75, or foot pattern $65
• Suspenders - $10
  
• Total for basics, to galvanize ………….. $210 minimum
  

The these additional items will allow the new trooper to participate as the Other side from what he purchases as Basics, The Weaponry and Extras that follow will work for both sides.

• Sabre belt with buckle - $75
• Sharps carbine - $550 - $600
• Carbine cartridge box - $40
• Cap pouch - $18
• Canteen, - $35
  
• Total so far …………..$1,115

This equipment, along with all of the basics will allow the trooper to participate as a dismounted trooper in all living history encampments, parades, and battles.

• Tent (w/stakes and poles) - $120
• Revolver - $100 and up
• Revolver holster - $30
• Carbine sling and swivel snap - $45
• Sabre (1860 light cavalry) - $60
• Hat insignias (crossed sabers, "7", "F" or "L" ) - $6
• Blanket , blue or gray - $30
• Gauntlets (gloves) - $25 and up
• Lantern - $20
• Spurs brass w/straps - $30
  
• Grand total …………$1,810

The extra equipment adds to the event, but isn't necessary to particiate.

Fall Creek Sutlery P. O. Box 92 Whitestown, IN 46075 (765) 482-1861 Catalog $3.00	R & K Sutlery 1015 - 1200th Street Lincoln, IL 62656 (217) 732-8844	The Quartermaster Shop 5565 Griswold Road Kimball, MI 48060 (810) 367-6702 Color Catalog $7.00 Very Good Uniforms
The Regimental Quartermaster P. O. Box 553 Hatboro, PA, 19040 (215) 672-6891 Good Cavalry Cartridge Box	F. Burgess & Co. 200 Pine Place Red Banks, NJ 07701 (732) 576-1624 Catalog $3.00 Makers of Cavalry Leather Goods

The 7th is fully dismounted and have only breifly considered otherwise. But for your information, Period Saddlry and Tack cost $800 - 1000, assuming that you already have the horse.