About the USS Tahoma Marine Guard

The USS Tahoma Marine Guard portrays the lifestyle of the U.S. Marines onboard ship and on land. The USS Tahoma Marine Guard re-enacts and camps with members of the USS Tahoma, together as individuals and families (military and civilian), "below decks" on the USS Tahoma. The USS Tahoma was a steam gunboat during the American Civil War. The Tahoma Marine Guard camps . Members of the USS Tahoma Marines may portray infantry and/or artillery or civilian depending on your interest.

Each member may adopt the persona of an actual American Civil War marine, but it is not mandatory. Civilian members may portray refugees, nurses, laundress, children, and other civilian roles. We do encourage each member to work on a persona portraying marine & civilian lifestyles during the American Civil War.

We strongly encourage family involvement and everyone is welcome to share in this fun & exciting hobby.

USS Tahoma Marines at Rainier Event July 2004

How to become a member of the USS Tahoma Marine Guard

The USS Tahoma Marine Guard was officially established as a WCWA Union Infantry Unit member in May 2004. Years prior to 2004, the USS Tahoma Marines reenact with the members of the USS Tahoma. Today, we are one the fastest growing units within the WCWA with event participation in all WCWA battle events and several of the NCWC battle events.

Members of the USS Tahoma Marines portray military (infantry and/or artillery) and civilian life during the American Civil War. We participate in many events sponsored and sanctioned by the Washington Civil War Association (WCWA), NCWC (Oregon), parades and Living History demonstrations. We enjoy good participation at public and sponsored events. The Marine membership extends from Portland, Oregon to the Canadian border along Washington State.

The USS Tahoma Marine Guard does not charge membership dues, however there is a cost for becoming a member of the Washington Civil War Association (WCWA). Individual or family members must be a member of the WCWA to participate in events as mandated by the WCWA. The cost for becoming a member of the WCWA is 25.00 per individual WCWA membership or 40.00 per family membership. Membership forms and safety test can found on the WCWA website. Please contact Howard Struve for more information and/or questions about reenacting, membership, etc.

USS Tahoma Marine & USS Tahoma Navy encampment at Rainier Event July 2004