CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT

Last Saturday, the boys and I went down to Old Fort to see a Civil War re-enactment with our friends, Paul and Amy. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I figured it would be a really great learning experience for the boys and fun too. They have always been obsessed with guns and weapons so I figured they would dig it. They did. Especially the part where they got to play with some 10 year old in the dirt while I watched the fashion show in a tent close by. Yep, while the men got ready for the "battle", the women (a few guys too) held a fashion show. Before we arrived, I had decided that my only regret was most likely going to be the fact that I was not in costume. (I love to dress up) However, after the show, I was glad that I hadn't even attempted because these folks took it very seriously and I was almost intimidated by the authenticity of the attire. This is my favorite little family: AND, the mom made all of their costumes. I was impressed!

OK, let me back up a little here and tell you about these Re-enactments. There are folks who do this as their hobby and will arrive at the designated location a few days ahead of the official skirmish to make camp. For three or four days, they dress the part and act the part of a civil war period family. It is pretty interesting. They try to be as authentic as possible by not using anything that wouldn't have been available in that time period. (within reason I suppose) The guy above told us that they had just "stolen some pork from the Yankees earlier that day" as we explored through the camp. I am sure he didn't use those exact words because it sounded better than that.
IT WAS HOT! But, I couldn't think of complaining with all of those poor souls dressed in wool uniforms or wearing seven layers of petty coats and skirts! The boys were not as sympathetic.



Now, onto the actual battle. We came prepared with earplugs for the boys but I really had no idea how loud the cannons were actually going to be.
It was the loudest noise I have ever heard. I was afraid it might even damage my eardrums so I spent the first fifteen minutes with my ears covered and wishing I had brought some for me too. Amy was such a great help with Caleb who sat in her lap so she could cover his ears over top of the earplugs. Eventually we got used to it and kept a close eye on the guys lighting the fuse so we could know when to brace ourselves.





It was kinda like a play or something. There was a doctor who went around to help the injured soldiers. No one "died" for quite some time because it was hotter than heck out there and I can't think of how miserable it would have been to lie in the grass for thirty minutes or so when you could be up shooting the bad guys.

There are Companies all from all over the place who do this sort of thing quite often. Some have both Yankee and Rebel uniforms and will fight on whatever side needs more men.
Other companies wouldn't dream of being on the opposing side.

These were the Yankees: By the way, they lost this particular skirmish.

My favorite part, aside from the fashion show, was watching the cavalry. The horses were so well-trained and the would charge ahead and do their thing and then all retreat back.

This horse only had one eye. It was creepy looking. He didn't lose it in the battle. He had some disease and the vet took it out. We asked.




For the most part, the place was just full of history buffs and such, but as I suspected, there were a good number of folks who use it as a good excuse to wave their rebel flags and wear questionable t-shirts.

In conclusion, I can't think of a better way to learn a little more about that war or history,in particularly from a little boy's perspective, than watching one of these. If I was in charge of the event, I would have held a "history lesson" before the battle giving information about the skirmish they were re-enacting and what actually happened in Old Fort, NC at that time. If I was more friendly, we could have learned more though Paul and Amy were a wealth of information themselves about it all.


Until the next time, I will be working on sewing our family costumes for the event. Nope, it would be too hot. Maybe if there is one in October or something. Paul may be a part of a Revolutionary War company soon. I think I would like that better. No one is bitter about the outcome of that war.