About the USS Tahoma Marines

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. The USS Tahoma was a steam gunboat during the American Civil War. The Tahoma Marine Guard camps together as individuals and families (military and civilian) "below decks" on the USS Tahoma. Members of the Marines may portray infantry and/or artillery depending on your interest.

Each member may adopt the persona of an actual Civil War Marine, but it is not mandatory. We do encourage each member to work on a persona portraying Marine lifestyles during the American Civil War.

We strongly encourage family involvement and everyone is welcome to share in this fun & exciting hobby. Civilian members may portray refugees, nurses, laundress, children, and other civilian roles.

USS Tahoma Marines at Rainier Event July 2004

On Joining 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 Marines were 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 Marines portray military (infantry and/or artillery) and civilian life during the Civil War. We participate in many events sponsored and sanctioned by the 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.

USS Tahoma Marine & Navy encampment at Rainier Event July 2004