In November 1863, Vicksburg has fallen to General Grant and General Lee has been beaten back from his invasion in the North. Braxton Bragg's Army of Tennessee has gained a much needed victory on the Chickamauga River south of Chattanooga. Men of Texas, paroled after Vicksburg, have returned home clothed merely in rags and filth. 

The women of the state have started to sew new jackets and trousers, as well as knit new socks for the veterans who are about to be called back into service at Camp Bee, Texas. Three deserters have left the ranks and are now seeking refuge in the homes of the civilians that are providing aid to those that have returned home. There is a $30 reward for the arrest and delivery of these fugitives. Reward may be paid in goods or services. The 29th Regiment of Texas State Troops is in town searching for these deserters. Anyone caught aiding or concealing them will be levied a fine and possibly arrested themselves.

 The War at Home 1863 event is a semi-immersion, civilian-centered event in Texas. The nature of the event means that interaction will be largely unscripted and unpredictable, allowing all participants to react in character as events naturally unfold. Participants develop impressions such as the town doctor, lawyer, business owner, an itinerant worker, or a family down on their luck, and develop detailed backgrounds for these impressions. In addition to the activities planned throughout the weekend each participant and/or household is encouraged to develop their own activities based on their impressions. Some activities may be planned prior to the event and others may develop spontaneously at the event through participants' interaction.