About this event

The North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) will hold its 154th National Competition October 2-4, 2026 at Fort Shenandoah near Winchester, Virginia. Member units compete in live-fire matches with original or authentic reproduction Civil War period muskets, carbines, breech loading rifles, revolvers, mortars and cannon. It is the largest Civil War event of its kind in the United States. The N-SSA is the country’s oldest and largest Civil War shooting sports organization with 3,000 individuals that make up its 200 member units. Each unit represents a Civil War regiment or unit and wears the uniform they wore over 160 years ago. N-SSA members come from all over the country to Fort Shenandoah each fall for this National Competition that traditionally closes the year’s activities. Competitions, called “skirmishes,” are held throughout the summer on a regional basis. At a skirmish, participating teams shoot at breakable targets in several timed events. The teams with the lowest cumulative times win medals or other awards. There is also BB gun competition for youngsters and competitions for authenticity of Civil War period dress, both military and civilian, as well as lectures on topics of interest. Spectators are welcome and admission and parking are free. There is a large sutler area and food service is available. For more information, visit the N-SSA web site at: www.n-ssa.org.