The role of women in camp
“Campfollowers” are the women, children and men who did not fight, who were part of the military and militia life of the War of 1812.
Just as during the war, the Campfollowers, or Laundresses, cook, mend, sew, nurse wounds, launder and live an existence in a field camp. The Campfollowers with Company do all of these and more.
Campfollowers were not usually high in social standing and our clothing and lifestyle aim to portray this social position. During this time period women wore Empire Regency style dresses. The style of clothing in camp is usually suited to campaign life and cooking over an open fire all day, and we require clothing to be made of natural fibers (wool, linen, or cotton). It was also appropriate for women to wear skirt and a shortrobe, which we do at events with colder temperatures..
Women were also in the background of many well run camps and our unit is not any different. Our Campfollowers take an active role in cooking historic, period recipes using traditional open fire field methods. We have other members who demonstrate needlework, child rearing, and everyday camp life. We also include children of our members in learning these skills. The ladies also all have been trained in the use and care of muskets, as women of the period would have been (often to help defend their homes.)
We provide opportunities to learn and develop these skills. We attempt to portray the women of the time including period footwear, outerwear, jewelry selection, and head coverings. At some events where we portray women of a higher social station, such as at a Ladies Tea, and we dress accordingly.