In the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, spring starts with a bang, quite literally, as the North-South Skirmish Association’s (N-SSA) 147th Spring Nationals commence on May 17.
Over the course of five days, thousands of blackpowder enthusiasts across the nation will converge on the group’s Fort Shenandoah range outside of Winchester, where they’ll shoot a number of live-fire competitions using Civil War-era muskets, rifles, rifle-muskets, revolvers, field artillery and more. Spectators are welcome, and in addition to viewing the matches, they can also walk through Sutlers Row, where dozens of companies and manufacturers have set up shop, selling antique arms, parts, uniforms, books, accessories and more.
The N-SSA was formed in 1950 to commemorate the heroism of the men who fought on both sides of the American Civil War. Those who participate shoot timed competition using both reproduction and original Civil War arms while wearing period-appropriate clothing and equipment. Each of the more than 200 teams represents an actual unit that existed during the war.
Outside of the skirmish competition, family-friendly activities are also available, ranging from BB gun matches for kids under 15 and costume events for those creating authentic Civil War-era clothing to dances, cookouts and more. For more information, visit n-ssa.org.
