response: Well, these recreated battles are to tell others the purpose of the war. In addition, it is to remember fallen comrades.
original_response: I have been once, not really into that but a lot of the reinactors were decendants of those who actually fought, years ago the actual veterans would reenact to honor they fallen comrades
history: I hope you are doing well. I was wondering the other day that if we should still do American Civil War reenactment Hobbyists recreate the battle or events of the Civil War. Yes, but they do not represent current lives and it is difficult to relate. Well, other countries also have reenactors of the American Civil War. Countries such as Canada, Germany, and even Poland to name a few. The problem I see is that it is mainly on the field battle that we see, but the real war happened behind closed doors (politicians) and we put to much focus on the reenactment of battles. You know reenactments of the Cicil War actually began before the real battle had even ended I did not know that, but still why ? From what you are telling me, it seems more for amusement (theater) than history. What about other wars that the US was part of. Even the American Revolution  does not see as much reenactment. I cannot say about the other wars. Reenactment's popularity grew after the 125th reenactment anniversary of the original Manassas battle. Over 6000 reenactors attended. Have you ever attended a reenactment. I have not ? Maybe I should, I might be missing something.
knowledge: Civil War veterans recreated battles as a way to remember their fallen comrades and to teach others what the war was all about.