To the surprise of many American history gets a lot of attention in Russia. And although the recreations for the Civil War are certainly smaller than the Battle of Borodino or Stalingrad we should not discount the impressive effort that is required to reenact the Battle of Appomattox on a completely different continent.

Image above: November 29, 2025 groups of the Confederate Company, Volunteers Mess and the 4th Cavalry Regiment conducted maneuvers dedicated to the skirmishes in West Virginia at the end of 1862.

What is the motivation behind these Russian men in Union and Confederate Uniforms?

According to the reenactment website “blueandgray.ru” the reason these men put so much time, money and effort into this historical reenactement is because they want to…

“Show most accurately a typical soldier of the federal army during the American Civil War, “making” various regional regiments for the events that we are reconstructing. However, we try to avoid “exotic” divisions: Zouaves, marines, sharpshooters, sailors, etc.

We prepare and participate in the highest quality and authentic events that ACW renovation has to offer. When there is an “immersion”, we make every effort to remain “first person” from the beginning to the official end. We are always looking for ways to improve our “impression” (not only in uniforms, but in the contents of pockets and backpacks, as well as in nutrition) and will set an example for others, encouraging the aspirations of others, without any condemnation.”

Another opinion on their motivations is that…

“Reconstruction is more than a hobby. Pastimes such as collecting stamps, assembling airplane models, or gardening are self-sufficient and self-contained, and carry no significance. Our passion is, in fact, the ultimate call, which includes the responsibility to faithfully reproduce some of the darkest, but at the same time, the most important days of the past. Moreover, we must do it correctly and at the peak of our capabilities. This is our duty to history, to the memory of those we represent, to our fellow citizens and to ourselves!”

The American Civil War was a unique and fascinating moment in military history as many consider it to be the first truly “modern war” that had absolutely devastating consequences for the United States. It was a fight that was “brother on brother” and is something worth remembering.