Patrick Brenner has an old soul. Like 1865 old. While most 21-year-olds are out hitting da club, Brenner is perfecting his fall and mending his replica uniform. Brenner, a former captain, current private, has been a part of the 1st New Mexico Volunteer Infantry since 2006. This Saturday and Sunday, the company stages a Civil War reenactment at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
What makes for a good Civil War reenactor?
To really form an organization, you need a lot of interested individuals with a common goal or theme—infantry, cavalry, artillery, a civilian organization and topographical core engineers. It's all about the camaraderie. A love of history and being willing and able to dress up in goofy clothing and be silly is what brings us together.
In your seven years of reenactment, what's the most memorable moment?
My first eastern event in Virginia; my First Manassas where I saw thousands upon thousands of reenactors at once. That was the first time I experienced what we call an 'ultimate Civil War moment.'
What can attendees expect?
They're gonna see lot of demonstrations—and while it might not be a full reenactment of the Battle of Glorieta Pass, due to a lack in actor numbers, it's still going to be a memorable, rough portrayal of Civil War military tactics.
