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This is limited to full-scale guns only. All participants with a military impression must appear as a typical soldier of the American Civil War’s Western Theater late 1862, preferably in the Kentucky Campaign. These impressions must be maintained during the entire event. Battery Commanders and Non-Commissioned Officers will be responsible for enforcing these standards within their chain of command.
All uniforms must be made of period styles and be made from materials closely resembling period fabrics and using tailoring techniques appropriate to Union and Confederate armies in 1862. Participants will not portray officers above the rank of captain without specific appointment from park staff.
Each reenactment unit commander is responsible for the conduct of his unit and shall be held accountable for the misconduct of any unit member. Also, the Chief of the Piece and /or the Gunner is responsible for the discipline of the detachment, safe operation of the piece, and carrying out of orders of the elected and appointed Chain of Command.
There is to be no discharging of cannon in camp. All discharging other than in the scripted battle shall take place on an established firing line after notifying and receiving approval through the Chain of Command.
No member of a cannon crew shall be allowed on his piece if he has been drinking alcoholic beverages during the 24 hours preceding the commencement of firing and/or he appears to be intoxicated. This will be ground for immediate arrest. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on park property.
The maximum rate of fire for any one cannon will not exceed one round per sixty seconds, from time of discharge to placing next cartridge into muzzle. Slower rates of fire are encouraged. Battery Commanders are responsible for controlling the rate of fire. No battery will be overrun unless scripted and planned in advance. If such an action is planned then batteries shall only be assaulted at a pre-arranged signal. The signal to opposing infantry or cavalry shall always be the furling of the battery guidon (flag) indicating all guns are clear and safe for assault.
While on the field the ammunition chest shall be placed at least 35 feet to the rear of the trail. All rounds shall be kept in ammunition chests, except for rounds being delivered to the pieces. The lid of a chest shall remain closed and the chest locked at all times except when rounds are being removed, during inspections, or while work is being performed inside the chest. No smoking around artillery chests. This is ground for immediate expulsion from the event.
150-foot minimum safe firing distance shall be maintained between the muzzle and any person, animal, or vehicle in its front at all times. At 150 feet, the crew shall load only “light cartridges.” A “light cartridge” is defined as no more than 3 oz of black powder per inch of bore with NO COMPRESSION FILLER. No cannon shall discharge or be loaded with person, animal, or vehicle within 100 feet of the muzzle. Be conservative. If “light cartridges” were not prepared beforehand, then firing will cease at the 150-foot minimum.
The Chief of Artillery in advance of the opening fire for the given scenario must approve any deviation from these Artillery Regulations. It is our intent to have a safe, enjoyable and historical event. The Chain of Command is in place to provide support. If you forget an implement, break a lanyard, are short a cannoneer, or have other deficiencies, please request assistance through your chain of command before the field inspections. We can probably help you meet the requirements that will be enforced.
Ordnance Inspection and Requirements
Only full-scale War Between the States Artillery field pieces will be allowed. No mortars allowed.
All reproduction artillery tubes will be equipped with a steel safety liner or sleeve. Original tubes will be inspected for serviceability on an individual basis. All carriages will be inspected for general condition and determined serviceable on an individual basis per inspection checklist.
Only friction primers or percussion primers shall be used to discharge the piece.
Blank artillery cartridges shall be made up of Black Powder only, not to exceed 4 oz. per inch of largest bore diameter. Cartridges must have a minimum of three wraps of heavy-duty aluminum foil and be packed to a firm consistency. Cartridges will be subject to random selection for inspection.
Only cannon grade, 1F, or 2Fg black powder will be used. Powder grades cannot be mixed. No artillery cartridges shall be constructed at the event site.
Artillery cartridges will be stored in the ammunition chests at all times. All rounds will be individually stored in a sealed cardboard container within the ammunition chest.
The bore of the cannon shall be thoroughly sponged with water and wormed after each cartridge is discharged. Wet / dry sponging is a matter of unit preference.
Each piece shall be equipped with the following implements in good working condition:
Two sponge/rammers shall fill the bore and be capable of sponging the bottom of the breech. The sponge for field howitzers shall fill the breech.
Worm - Shall be of a size capable of dislodging all foreign objects in the bore.
Sponge Bucket
Thumb stall or glove for thumbing the vent.
Priming Wire
Gunner’s Haversack
Friction Primer Tube Pouch
Gimlet or Vent Punch
Vent Brush
Two pairs leather gauntlets or gloves for Nos. 1 & 2
Model 1848 Ammunition Chest (period) – Limber recommended.
- i. Capable of being locked
- ii. No loose powder in chest
Failure of inspection - All pieces will remain off the field until the Chief of Artillery is satisfied and has given full inspection approval. It is the responsibility of the Chief of Piece, the gunner or the Battery Commander to notify the Chief of Artillery when the piece is ready for re-inspection.
Mounted Artillery (Horse-Drawn)
All Rules and Guidelines for mounted cavalry shall apply to artillery horses and harness/tack. Please refer to the cavalry section for Horse Rules and Requirements.
All military standards will be strictly enforced.
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