An Empirical Study of the Motivations and Consumption Behaviors of Civil War Re-Enactors: Implications for Re-Enactment Tourism

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study of Civil War re-enacting is important because participation in this leisure time activity is exhibiting significant growth in the U.S., yet little is known about the motivations and consumption behaviors of participants. This research explores the phenomenon of Civil War re-enacting from two perspectives: (1) filmed interviews with a Confederate unit operating in the Pacific Northwest, and (2) survey data from Civil War re-enactors (both Union and Confederate members) across the U.S. The findings provide useful implications for those interested in developing a heritage tourism program for their state or community, and confirm the growing importance of experiential consumption and the experience economy (Pine & Gilmore, 1999; Popcorn, 2003).