PThe average duration of a Civil War soldier’s experience in combat was a mere fifteen minutes. Those adrenaline-filled minutes assuredly felt like an eternity and were over in the blink of an eye. No matter how hard we try, how well we plan and prepare, or how carefully we craft scenarios, we can never fully recreate what those men experienced. There are elements of those fifteen minutes that all of us can agree we would never want to experience.

What virtually all Civil War soldiers did experience at one point or another was life on campaign. For the infantryman, that entailed a gruelling march. Over the years, we have seen many such marches recreated to offer the experience – a test of endurance and will – to living historians. Many of us have joined on the famed A.P. Hill marches of old.

The 19th Century Researchers and Civil War Historical Impressions are proud to offer such an opportunity to you: “When Duty Called, We Came”. Join us on September 17-19, 2027 - the anniversary of the Battle of Sharpsburg - as we step off from South Mountain and retrace the steps of hard men on the very ground they traversed 165 years earlier. The ensuing fifteen miles will be a true test of your mettle, grit, tenacity, and will. Completing the march will change you and give you a deepened appreciation for what the “original cast” endured.

More important than your individual experience, this is a PRESERVATION MARCH. Our hobby is about more than wearing the uniform and forming battalions. First and foremost, it is our DUTY to educate the public, preserve hallowed ground, and inspire future generations with our portrayal of the past. That is why we are pleased to announce that this march is a FUNDRAISER. Registration fees will cover the minimum to pay for the event and every cent after will go towards protecting the past. For every mile completed, there will be a matching gift to amplify the impact! That means that every step you take is more than an experience – it’s an act of preservation.

Additionally, this event signals a new turning point in our hobby. There are a multitude of organizations who have hosted their own events, fielded their own battalions, and offered their own experiences to us all. We all have our preferences in what we seek out of this hobby, but the time has come for ALL of us to unite under one cause – PRESERVING HISTORY. We must come together or we will assuredly be the cause of its loss. That is why this march is not only presented by the 19th Century Researchers and Civil War Historical Impressions. It is also supported by The Authentic Campaigner and The Liberty Rifles.

Answer the call to duty and come join us – ALL OF US – on September 17-19, 2027 for “WHEN DUTY CALLED, WE CAME”.

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IMPRESSION GUIDELINES

Detailed impression guidelines are coming soon.
NOTE: This march will be CONFEDERATE ONLY.
Planning is already underway for a FEDERAL ONLY march the following year.

REGISTRATION NOTICE

Registration for this preservation march is $40 to cover the administrative and logistical costs of the march. In joining us on this march, you are doing more than just registering to attend for your own experience. You are also committing to a $100 PLEDGE towards the preservation of history for future generations.

You have ample time and options to pay, be it up front or spread out over time. 100% of the funds raised will be donated to preserving history. This is SEPARATE from the $40 registration fee which covers the cost of the administrative and logistical support of the march.

This is a PLEDGE, not an immediate PAYMENT. In registering and committing to your pledge, you will receive emails with a pledge confirmation and periodic reminders. YOU have control over pledge payment and will not be automatically billed.

Mark your calendar
Start preparing yourself physically
Join us as the hobby unites around something truly worth doing.

"When Duty Called, We Came"

165th Sharpsburg Preservation March