The Watchdog

The Watchdog is a non-profit that specializes in the social and material culture of the Civil War era. After years of publication as a quarterly, The Watchdog went on extended “furlough” and now publishes a column in Civil War News. Proceeds from its publications and annual raffle benefit battlefield preservation.

Death by Disease or Battle?
By Bill Christen
(October 2009 Civil War News)
When speaking to the public about the life of the Civil War soldier, reenactors are asked many questions. One of the frequent queries is in regard to the ratio of men dying of disease versus men dying in battl

Children On The Battlefield? Part II
By Meg Galante-DeAngelis
(September 2009 Civil War News )
The image of the virtuous young drummer boy is one that can be found abundantly served in the morality-rich, cautionary literature for children almost from the time of the invention of children’s books.

Children On The Battlefield? Part I
By Bill Christen
August 2009 Civil War News
“If minors present themselves, they are to be treated with great candor.” So states the regulations of both armies during the Civil War

Are You Hot In Those Clothes?
By Bill Christen
July 2009 Civil War News
Among the most frequently asked spectator questions, “Are you hot in those clothes?” ranks in the top five with “Is that a real fire?” “Is that food edible?” “Are those real guns?” and “Do you actually sleep in those tents?”

Attention—To Details
By Bill Christen
June 2009 Civil War News
During my 30 years of involvement in the historical reenacting community, I have come to appreciate and to attempt to obey the above “order” as when it comes to the material and social culture of the 19th century.

Made In Italy
By Phil McBride
May 2009 Civil War News
Have you ever thought it ironic that most, if not virtually all, of the reproduction muskets, rifles and carbines we use in our distinctly American Civil War hobby are made in Italy? Have you ever wondered how that came to be?

Authentic Hardtack
By Craig L Barry
February/March 2009 Civil War News
About a year ago it was widely reported by The Boston Globe that the G.H. Bent Cookie Company of Milton, Mass., suppliers of what is considered an “authentic” hardtack, was being sold with the building rumored to be converted into either an office park or a delicatessen.

What Ever Happened To Safety First?
By Craig L Barry
January 2009 Civil War News
One alarming trend in the US Civil War hobby is the apparent breakdown of time honored safety standards at various mainstream Civil War battle (re)enactments. Accidents hit a new high in frequency, which is a new low for that hobby in general.

The Watchdog, CWN To Join Forces
By Craig L Barry - Watchdog Editor
December 2008 Civil War News
At The Watchdog, a non-profit 501(c)(3) domiciled in Michigan, all monetary proceeds from publications after expenses go to battlefield preservation — not a portion, but 100 percent.