The North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) will hold its 128th National Competition Oct.
The crew of the 3rd US Artillery, (left to right) Frank Potts and Jimmy Murray, carefully loads their siege mortar during the mortar matches at the North-South Skirmish Association’s 127th National Competition held at Fort
Shenandoah, VA, in May. Over 50 mortars competed in that unique match. (N-SSA photo by Bruce Miller)
4-6 at Fort Shenandoah near Winchester, VA. Member units compete in live-fire matches with original or authentic reproduction Civil War period muskets, carbines, breech loading rifles, revolvers, mortars and cannons.
It is the largest Civil War event of its kind in the United States.
The N-SSA has over 3,000 individuals that make up its 200 member units. Each unit represents a Civil War regiment or unit and wears the uniform that unit wore 150 years ago.
N-SSA members come from all over the country to Fort Shenandoah each fall for this national competition that traditionally closes the year ’s activities.
Competitions, called “skirmishes,” have been held throughout the summer on a regional basis, including at historic Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY, down river from Niagara Falls.
At a skirmish, participating teams shoot at breakable targets in several timed events. The teams with the lowest cumulative times win medals or other awards.
Women participate along with the men in all events. There are also competitions for authenticity of Civil War period dress, both military and civilian, as well as lectures on topics of interest. Like many Civil War enthusiast organizations, the NSSA is observing the sesquicentennial of the War Between the States with special events and the 128th national skirmish will be no exception.
Spectators are welcome and admission is free. There is a large sutler area and food service is available. For more information, visit the N-SSA website at: n-ssa.org.
