How to Become a Civil War Corpse

Last Updated: October 15, 2021

Charging up a hill, defending a post, maneuvering a flank; everyone wants to be the hero of Civil War reenactments, but one thing is always in short supply: corpses. But clutching your chest and falling down doesn't exactly cut it in terms of historical accuracy. This article will help get you started in the fine art of being one of the "glorious dead."

Steps

1
Find your unit. A quick Google search will tell you which reenacting groups are in your area. Also, it helps to live near where an actual Civil War battle took place.^{[1]
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Research source}
2
Find out when a reenactment will take place.^{[2]
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Research source} Nothing is more embarrassing than running around a National Park by yourself and then falling over.

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3
Make sure you have a period-accurate uniform.^{[3]
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Research source} Remember, the American Civil War was fought between the Union and Confederate armies. Knights and stormtroopers were not at the Battle of the Shiloh.
4
March into battle.^{[4]
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Research source} Some reenactors march in columns with their units. Others run onto the battlefield waving their arms and screaming. It's your call.
5
Get shot. Make sure you time your falling over just after the sound of your enemy's gun. Nothing is more embarrassing than falling over to silence. You will look like the world's stupidest soldier. Also, take care not to fall over after the sound of your own side's guns, lest you look like you just got fragged.
6
Clutch your wound. Spectators need to know where you've just been shot, and that it hurts. Hence the clutching.
7
Prepare your death cry. This area is open to the most artistic interpretation. Most people go with AAAGGGHHH! but the more elaborate death cries also build backstory into your character. For example, try "This one's for you Aunt Be-AAAGGGHHH!" or "I'm coming for you Mr. Linc-AAAGGGHHH!". Another helpful tip is to reference the side you're fighting: "The only good Reb is a dead AAAGGGHHH!" The most important thing to remember with the death cry is you must interrupt whatever you were going to say with AAAGGGHHH!
8
Fall down. If you're in the front rank, fall forward so you don't knock over the guy behind you, and if you are in the rear rank fall backward.
9
Lay there. You must remain still until the battle is over. An exception to the rule is if the reenactment allows zombies (see Tips section).

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Community Q&A

Question

The field we reenact on is rough. Is it OK for me to sit down instead of lying, or would that break the immersion?

Hugh_Mann

Community Answer

To not break the immersion, you'd get shot in the leg/arm/shoulder. Some part of your body that, if shot, doesn't immediately kill you, but rather incapacitates you.
Question

Will this work with the Cold War too?

DoodleSkidoodle

Community Answer

As there was no actual combat involved in the Cold War, then most likely not. If you're acting in a fictional setting, then yes.
Question

What if I'm a Confederate soldier?

Community Answer

It's the exact same procedure whether you're a Union or Confederate soldier.
Question

I want to be a confederate solider corpse but my grandma disapproves of it. How can I convince her otherwise?

Community Answer

Talk to her about why she objects. She likely has very good reasons!
Question

Does this apply to World War II LARPing?

Community Answer

They are two different wars, but it should. Just remember to breathe if you can.
Question

Does this work with the Revolutionary War too?

Community Answer

Basically, but the uniforms would be different, as would your "death cry" if you choose to have one.
Question

Did anyone kill dogs in the civil war?

Community Answer

Some dogs were killed in the civil war, but it wasn't a major part of the action.
Question

What do I do if I go to a Civil War reenactment in the wrong uniform?

Community Answer

If you don't have the correct uniform, you probably won't be allowed to participate. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the organization responsible for the reenactment and ask.
Question

How do I become a Civil War corpse if I'm mute and can't produce a scream?

Community Answer

Coming from an actual reenactor, screaming is usually cheesy. You don't need to make a big production of your death.
Question

What happens if I get injured?

Community Answer

Call for the “Doc” some old guy with Ben Franklin glasses and green ribbons tied around his arms will show up and pretend to amputate an appendage.