Civil War Reenactor takes on Humor, Orbs and Battle
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Chickamauga surprise
The reenactors' interview began with two thousand reenactment soldiers standing four wide in lines of two hundred men each. The wait was becoming interminable as the minutes ticked by but at length they began to fall in and march, one line after the other.
It was Tony's first year as a reenactor for the 7th South Carolina regiment and his excitement was palpable as the soldiers approached a hill on the battlefield of Chickaumauga, Georgia, one of the war's bloodiest conflicts and the South's last major offensive victory.
As the long line of Confederate soldiers began firing away at a few dozen blue-coated Yankee soldiers on the ridge line above them, Tony began to ask himself "Is this all there is to it?"
With the thought implying a definite dearth of opposing warriors, there suddenly arose, like a gigantic ghost army appearing through the smoky mist, two thousand Northern soldiers on top of the hill, who quickly added their musket fire to the already loud cacophony of battle noise. Tony remains in awe of the memory to this very day.
Tony is a forty-something fellow whose mirthful countenance and down home manners immediately lets one know they're in the presence of a friendly and genuine person.
The Chickamauga experience was to become Tony's favorite re-enactment for its sheer size and large number of reenactors if nothing else. The whole thing being quite a "trip" as he put it. But this exciting memory is far from being all there is to the curious life of a Civil War reenactor as we shall see.
Camp- fire fun and ghostly orbs
As the men and women who actively engage in re-enactments strive for authenticity in all things, it comes as no surprise that home brew is often an accompaniment around the camp-fires.
Tony tells the story of one very large young fellow who made it a point to let everyone know his inexhaustible capacity for fermented beverages.
Generally the "shine" is soaked for about a year and comes in a wide variety of flavors, including, but not limited to: strawberry, peach, raisin, grape, apple, and even tomato shine which James Taylor sings about in his hit song about growing up in North Carolina, Copperline.
As the big lad was boasting one night, a soldier who had a particularly strong batch of the stuff decided to play a prank on the fella. Saying, "Here, try some of this," the chap preceded to take several sips, murmuring all the while "Mmmm, that's good stuff."
But when he stood up to go he lost his balance and fell straight back on the ground with a loud thump. Uninjured, Tony said he a had smile on his face the whole hour or so he lay there passed out.
Some of Americas most haunted places are Civil War battlefields, which makes Tony's recollection of an incident at Fort Anderson, which is next to the entrance of the Cape Fear River, really interesting
Once a fellow reenactor was taking photos when he suddenly stopped and called Tony and few others over to have a look at something. What they saw were dozens of orbs, of different sizes, floating around a soldier named Thomas. Perhaps that particular photo in and of itself isn't that unusual, but what happened next most certainly is.
The photographer told the men to go back to what they were doing and asked Thomas to stand in different spots while he continued to take pics of all the men moving around. To everyone's surprise, no matter were Thomas stood, he and he alone, had the eerie orbs all around him.
Their conclusion was obvious: the man was a major attractor for Fort Anderson's ghostly spirits. There also happened to be a Civil War soldiers' cemetery next to the fellows' camping area which makes those peculiar acting orbs even more intriguing.
Fort Fisher and the 4th New Hampshire Regiment
Another memorable reenactment Tony recalls besides the Chickamauga battle is Fort Fisher. This fort guarding vital Wilmington, N.C. was known as the South's Rock of Gibraltar, and consequently, the re-nactors got to fire and be around heavy cannon power for this one.
When the 20 pound balls roared out of the awesome blasts the concussions set off car alarms all over the place. Needless to say, the fellows' camping areas around the guns were evacuated beforehand during these demonstrations.
One of the unexpected pitfalls of re-enactment battles happened at Fort Fisher when Tony's 7th South Carolina became boxed in between giant sand dunes. The men were climbing up towards the Union positions but found they couldn't retreat, go forward, couldn't go anywhere for that matter.
To top the dire situation off, a hard driving rain began that thoroughly soaked the fellows to the bone. Tony admits to for ever after cheating just a bit on the authenticity by always placing a tarp under his tent. Who can blame him for wanting to keep dry while he sleeps during such merciless downpours.
Another reminiscence has Tony chosen to be one of the first to play dead on a re-enactment; but then finding himself lying in the middle of a field with a wool suit on during a very hot day. He chuckles at the memory of slowly inching his way towards an inviting little shade tree some distance off.where he can wait out the action.
It should also be noted that the 7th South Carolina merged with the 4th New Hampshire, the 7th regiment being one out-fit that often dons the blue uniforms when needed; although as Tony points out, some reenactors, North and South, let pride get in the way and refuse to wear any other color but their own.
The 4th New Hampshire was attached because there weren't enough African-American soldiers to fill the mixed unit out, hence, the amalgamation with the 7th to complete the regiment..
Gettysburg brush fire and Reenactor inspiration
Darrell is a close friend of Tony's and truly looks the part of a Civil War soldier with his sparkling eyes and silver goatee.
He tells of the time at a Gettysburg re-enactment when the field caught on fire in front of them, and thousands of Southern soldiers then presented quite a sight to the bemused Northerners as they stomped it out with their brogan shoes and boots.
In fact, the blue-coated boys later told them they could scarcely believe they'd been able to do it at all!
Darrell also related how he reconstructed a musket from metal parts in an old fire pit his civil war ancestor had thrown his weapon into with an oath he never wanted to fire a rifle ever again.
Several of the 7th's reenactors, fed up over one thing or another about reenacting, were on the point of leaving when they discovered long ago relatives who'd actually been in the 7th's ranks.
This surprising new knowledge caused an inspiration in the men and they returned to their friends and comrades in the regiment with a renewed enthusiasm and fervor.
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Just noticed this one, Alastar! My brother has been a re-enactor for at least 20 years and seldom misses a major event in this part of the country. His group is made up of members bearing the same rank as their ancestors were designated during the Civil War.
He can tell some real funny tales about events which happened in the faux battles too. Like your friend, he learned to always get "killed" in the shade if it was hot weather, and in the sun when it was cold! LOL!
SSSSS
The interview was fun 2pats. Everyone had a fine time as the guys and a wife reminisced. Believe it was more humorous than anything else. Molometer published a hub on Cromwell and had some video of the English CW reenactors at a meet-up. It was spellbinding to watch. They take the authenticity just as seriously as over here. Thank you 2pats for commenting.
Hello Alastar,
What an interesting topic for a hub. Here in England there are a group of people who reenact battles from the English civil war. Closer to where we live there is an annual Medieval Weekend. These events are fun to watch - but probably even better as a participant.
Hi Canook! Yeah, the lady reenactors look hot in their hoopskirts! Will do on the other, just soon as it comes.~Tarheel
Hi! Tarheel I love the T-shirt picture at the beginning :-) Canook P.S. When you have time let me know when the package has arrived.
Tom's a fine actor and did a great job of playing Longstreet in the Gettysburg movie. The Colonel of the 26th N.C. told me they tried to get the director to shorten his extra long bushy beard but he wouldn't even consider it LOL. Thanks Terri, how about that, James Longstreet's grandson X5 is named James Longstreet. That's quite a legacy he carries around with him, proudly no doubt.
The actor who played James Longstreet was Tom Berenger (one of my favorite actors) He did an excellent job, too. My ex is acquainted with Longstreet's gggggrandson who also is named James Longstreet!
You are indeed our awesome Gettysburg gal Terri. Thanks a mil for writing about it some more on here. They couldn't have made that movie with-out all the re-enactors that participated in it. A couple of Gettysburg behind the scenes: knew the Colonel of the 26th North Carolina and he told me how they strongly advised the director to cut some of the actors ridiculously long beard- the one who played Longstreet, but to no avail ha ha! Also, maybe you know of this one: right before the filming of Pickett's Charge the men heard cheering in the woods behind them although there weren't any PA's or people there! Your the best Terri, appreciate ya lady; the book series "Ghosts of Gettysburg" sounds righteous.
As you know, Alastar, I live relatively close to my beloved Gettysburg. Almost any weekend of the year, and certainly any day of the week during warm weather, one can find a reenactor somewhere on the field or in the town. It's an awesome experience during weekends with groups setting up encampments both in town and throughout the battlefield areas. I never get enough. There are a great many stories floating about by the reenactors who spent 3 months as extra's while the film "Gettysburg" was being filmed there. Many of these stories can be found in a series of 6 books called "Ghosts of Gettysburg" by Mark Nesbit, who is a resident and businessman in Gettysburg.
So you were a CW re-enactor Natashalh, awesome! Always great to hear from the ladies that like and participate in the history. Maybe you could write a hub on the re-enacting experience from a woman's perspective sometime. And yes, suppose that's true about the guns and beer, some of them maybe have the wrong motivations for re-enacting, but they're definitely in a minority. There were some in Tony's unit that were going to quit over one thing or the other but then found relatives from the CW that were in the re-enacting regiment, and they returned full of new inspiration. Natashalh, thank you for your interest and comment here, do look forward to reading your stories!
I was a CW reenactor for over a decade. The funniest/worse thing I ever heard was walking by a campsite one night. A guy was explaining to his friend thwt reenacting is so great because "It's just like Boy Scouts, only with guns and beer." I thought he kinda missed the point about what should be going on.
Hows that for a comment Frank? Humbling my friend, we all have our areas of knowledge and interest. Bro, if I tried to write poetry like you I'd be laughed off of HubPages. Those re-enactments are exciting, spectacles where true passion is on display always are. A good example is that last one minute vid on the Hub here. Thank you Frank.
Very good Jackie. Can't wait to see them in your next hub on the fort.
You know Alastar I've actually watched a Civil War Re-enactor.... I thought it was going to be a joke.. really.. but I found myself glued and fascinated.. that's exactly what your hubs do... so days that make me feel stupid.. your hubs gives me that dose of the smarts...yeah hows that for a comment? Frank
Will do.
Nope. Doesn't sound like good management here either Jackie. That's too bad cause the place would be a big draw with a completed fort. The sites close to I-40 too. But, as the tax revenues drop, so does the accumulated donation money. Get some good pics with the 14X Zoom next time you go Jackie.:)
I think they said they are after 2 mill in donations to rebuild the fort and they had about a million but now are down to 700,000 and well I am sure they have to have a couple employees, not that they are doing anything and they do sell things inside so that is some revenue but I think maybe if they broke some ground and acted as if they were really going to do something besides dwindle the money away I might be inclined to give, but what I have seen does not say good management to me. Got a 14X zoom camera today so I will be sure to take pictures next time. They better get on the ball before I sic Polly on them. lol
Oh, I see what you mean Jackie. Best not to have high expectations there. Thats funny about the creek steps. Went to Ft Dobbs many years ago and was disappointed too as there was hardly anything to it.:)
Oh I mean I just didn't have the heart to. I expected so much. Cut trees and dead branches everywhere and years of growth, no plants no pretty southern trees. This one place if you walked down to this creek you might slide and fall, well they fixed that and put dangerous twisted steps that end falling in the creek! I wish you would go there and second my emotion! lol.
Ft. Dobbs isn't too far away from here Jackie. That's to bad about all the donations and not even having a decent place to walk. Haha wouldn't let you take the pics you wanted, eh. They don't know you very well do they. Where there's a will there's a way!
Oh I know...I have been here several times. lol It must have been really exciting. I went for that exploration at Ft Dobbs and it was so disappointing. Polly may have to take that one over, there is no excuse for that. They have $700,000 in contributions (did have more)and they can't have a decent place to walk...well I couldn't even take the pictures that would have told the story I was so shocked, but next trip I just may. I hate to let things like this upset me but it does and too many people overlook too much.
Jackie your referring to the Battle of Cold Harbor there. It happened during Grant's final push towards Richmond in 1864. The Confederates were well dug in and Grant-wishing to avoid a siege- insisted on a frontal attack that saw 7,000 union troops shot down in half an hour. It was indeed horrific. The men knew it was suicidal and pinned their names to their uniforms. Your right about the white flags too. Thanks for checking this one out Jackie, it was great interviewing Tony and Darrell.:)
Well you will have to go to mine for your answer, but meaning to ask you about something I thought about writing on and decided not to. How much do you know about Lee and Grant? Did you know they had thousands on a field dead that you could not get a foot in between (I think they said 40,000) and many wounded but alive and they would neither raise a white flag to go retrieve those living because it was like being the first to admit defeat and this went on four days with men wailing and in the end only two of those probably hundreds were still alive? Isn't that so horrible?
Vicksburg is rife with paranormal activity, much suffering from the soldiers and civilians in that battle and siege. Its no wonder you could feel the energy. Thank you poetvix, very glad you enjoyed this peek behind the scenes. Speaking of energy, I just watched that one minute vid of the Picketts Charge re-enactment and my heartbeat ticked up a few notches; awesome with all the soldiers involved and the spectators right behind the lines!
This is so cool. I grew up near the park in Vicksburg dedicated to remembering the war. I was fortunate enough to see much in the way of history there. Ghost stories have surrounded the park since long before I was born. I can't say I ever saw a ghost there, but I sure used to get freaked out some nights! You could literally feel the energy of the place in the air. This was a wonderful look into an insider's experiences with re-enactment. Too cool!
Hey suzzette thats right, homemade ice cream is hard to churn but not surprised it was a big "hoot" with everyone. How cool to hear about your re-enactment as a soldiers wife. You mean the visitors actually tried to trip you up. I thought Ohioans were polite people! LOL. Glad to hear you did well and passed the audition. The old timey clothes do get hot and its a wonder how they put up with it back then. It was funny Tony slowly crawling off the field to the shade tree with all the spectator eyes looking on, but who can blame him. Suzette, thank you for relating your re-enactor experience here, it was wonderful to hear about.:)
Nice hub! Interesting to read about Tony and the re-enactment activities. I have attended Civil War reinactments in Ohio and even had the pleasure of being in one. I volunteered at Hale Farm, a living history village from the early 1800's in Bath, OH. One weekend in August we had a Civil War re-enactment. My part was as a wife of a soldier (making homemade ice cream for the visitors). It was a hoot! And, let me tell you, it wasn't all easy. I had to answer visitors questions accurately as a wife of a soldier would have at that time. I, of course, did my research before the weekend and was familiar with the history at that time and the Ohio regiments that were in the Civil War. But, so many visitors tried to trip me up and get me out of character, but they were not successsful. I had to be clever to keep up with my character and knowledge. I enjoyed it, but I only did it that one time. It was so darn hot in my costume and bonnet that I haven't done it since. But, it is an experience I enjoyed and will always treasure.
Appreciate you brother Pras. This was a fun one to interview and write. That German walking roller coaster is a super unique find and hub- liked it very much!
My brother, you did a good job here. Again, you covered everything in good detail and packing this information by completed with the pictures and video. I learn new things about another history from you. Vote up (useful, awesome, beautiful, interesting). Have a good day!
Prasetio
Oh okay, well that sure explains throwing up the tonsils then. You know Becky, if nothing else, the stuff probably disinfected everything in the fella's body!
No, he had a massive infection in them and they were rotten. He was very sick and should have been in the hospital getting them out. They weren't attached well and so they detached easily. They may have been what made him so sick.
Wow Becky that is bizarre throwing the tonsils up. Maybe he got hold of an extra strong batch that was bad or something. From what I've heard and read if its not done right it can make one quite sick.
I don't know where you get you shine but I had a friend who had tonsillitis and drank some shine to kill the pain. He threw the tonsils up when his stomach rebelled. Sounds gross but its true. He also said he had a hangover for a week.
Especially if its a Grizzly Bear right Thomas. Haven't those Mountain Men reenactors ever seen Richard Harris in 'Man in the Wilderness.'
Very happy 2012 to you Seeker! Be over to read your eccentric people hub shortly. Yes, the reenactors have alot of fun, the young man couldn't hold his 'shine' as well as he thought, could he..haha! The stuffs very potent but one rarely gets a hang-over as it isn't full of adulterants and junk. That is fascinating about the orbs. With the soldiers cemetery right there it does make one wonder. Whatever they are the fella was quite an attractor for them. Not sure if he'd had other events like that happen or not. Seeker, thank you a mil for the congrats and vote. Take care there in lovely Scotland too my lady.:)
Hey Becky, maybe Thomas could include some reenactors in the Wizard of Reno series.
Hello Warren, great to see your comment my friend. We've got to get up soon on the third in the Warren Smith series. Say hi to Mrs.Smith for me please. Glad you pointed out the War Between the States, a more appropriate name for the conflict it is. Thats so true about getting caught up in the realism at the reenactments too. Perhaps we could experience one together sometime. Thank you Warren!
@ Alastar...Oh...my eyes are closed my friend.... Hunting a bear?...that would be TOO real.
@ Becky...Thanks for the heads-up! I will most certainly contact them!
Hi Alastar and a very happy 2012 to you! Hope it's a good one for you and yours.
What an amazing and wonderful hub! These folks always seem to have such great fun when doing the re-enactments - unfortunately I've never managed to get to one and have only seen them on video or TV, which is hardly the same as actually being there.
I loved the story of the young bragger getting sozzled on the 'shine'! Do you get really bad hangovers from that stuff?
That's quite scary about the fire! Well done to Darrell and co for getting the fire out by stamping on it - that must have taken some doing!
That's really fascinating about the guy - Thomas - and the orbs. If you think about the emotions that were created on these battle fields, they must retain a high level of residual energy. But also there must - as the photograph shows - be a lot of poor souls who could be trapped at the battle site. I wonder if Thomas has had anything of a paranormal nature happening to him? Or perhaps he is a natural medium but isn't aware of it?
Anyway, a really fabulous hub. I really enjoyed this one! Voted up + awesome!!
Ps - Oh! - many congratulations on getting into the top 100 for new hubbers! A wonderful achievement Alastar and you deserve the honour! Take care. Seeker7
Thomas, they also have one that is the Civil War. Call Fort Churchill and ask them when their re-enactment is. I have been to it and it is pretty good. Maybe they will put you in contact with the group.
Hey Alastar Packer, I enjoyed reading your illustration of the reenactors of the War Between the States. I have gone to several of the reenacted battles and I am always impressed with great job the enactors do. The realistic feeling of the battlefield is amazing. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so very much pal Thomas. In some units like Tonys they get you started off and then the reenactor can add stuff as they go along. Actually, I do have a pic of yours truly in an officers uniform and you can just close those eyes of yours and dream on anytime..haha! Good one bro! You need to go to one down south Thomas, guaranteed to please. Someone else mentioned the Mountain Men and how they go hunt a bear as part of the realism. That's some dedicated reenactment there for sure. Appreciate the enjoyable comment my friend!
Alastar...
Ah my friend...this would be a hobby I would like to indulge in if not for the cost. It's pricey. I actually expected to open this hub and see you in a dashing Civil War uniform?
It's not like I close my eyes and picture you as a dashing Civil War soldier...that would just be weird.
I have been to two reenactments...one in Vacaville, CA ...not overtly impressive and the second at Bull Run...sorry Southern boy...Manassas Junction...That was pretty cool...about 500 dedicated bastards...I loved it!
My girlfriend at the time humored me and said she did as well. Hereabouts we have a Mountain Man reenactment group...pretty small I should think.
I would want to be in a Civil War or Revolutionary War group...that said...I always feel like I am when I am reading one of your Hubs! You rock.
Thanks,
Thomas
Well then vocalcoach, I'm mighty glad you saw this hub. There certainly is alot of civil war history around Nashville. Its a shame the battlefield there couldn't have been better preserved but that really wouldn't have been feasible with the suburbs and all. Does Nashville still have that awesome military museum downtown? Thank you so much vocalcoach, hope you get to see a reenactment soon!
Your most welcome zzron. So you've driven an 18 wheeler through the area, eh. Once asked a traveling salesman who covered alot of the east coast what his favorite state to drive through was and he said N. Carolina for the scenic beauty. Appreciate your interest and comment here zz.
Oh, my - I couldn't have been given any greater gift than your remarkable hub on the Civil War Reenactment. I am absolutely passionate about the Civil War. Here in Nashville, Tn., there is so much history. I 've wanted to go to a reenactment for a long time.
Thank you so very much for sharing this. Bookmarking it and eager to read your other hubs on The Civil War.
Cool hub thanks for the history lesson. I believe I may have driven my 18 wheeler through this area. Very beautiful country.
You bet Jackie. When the first traders and settlers meet the Lumbee they were amazed to find many of them light-eyed with English sounding names. A good friend is a tribe member and he agrees that the Lost Colony probably intermingled with them. If true, then its good to know that was their fate instead of other speculations that have them wiped out or something else tragic. Another mystery is the White Deer legend- a very mysterious story you ought to do a hub on Jackie.:)
Thank you! Yes I believe she went into that tribe since there is evidence there were English people in that tribe, no signs or messages left anywhere. Where else could these English who turned up in the tribe have possibly come from? Such a beautiful mystery isn't it? That is what makes these things so enjoyable too. The mind can play the field! lol
Hi, thanks Jackie. Yea, do get the Ft. Dobbs reenactment for another story. Is it a civil war one or a frontier one? The Virgina Dare events will be awesome too. That legend about the white deer being Virgina and the lost colony is something. I believe the Lumbee tribe is where they ended up. It cheers me to know a lady like yourself is into the history around the state and covers it so well.:)
Been meaning to get back. This makes me wish now I had seen the reenactment at Fort Dobbs, I will have to do that now. Right now I am just counting the days until I can go to Dare County for the Virginia Dare events and Pilot Mountains things I found out about I have been missing all these years! History has really just gotten so much fun and I can see here how much you enjoyed this. Great write as always.
Happy New Year Mike! Yes, once Tony got rollin with the reenactment memories we had us a fine time. Glad you brought that up about the Mountain Man group- they go hunt bear, wow, that is some kind of dedication to authenticity. Reminds of the Daniel Boone wagon train reenactment that follows one of his trails through the mts near here. At night everyone gathers round the bonfire like they would back then. Thanks Mike, lets go git us a Bar!
Hello on a glorious New Years Day Colin! After reading one of your latest about the vampire lovers it occurred to me how wonderfully eclectic you are with your HP creations. And the health, happiness, and prosperity are wished double for you in 2012 my good friend!
Happy New Year Alastar. Great information. I always am amazed at how seriously the reenactors take themselves. Years ago I knew a person who was in a 'Mountain Man/Fur Trader" group, I think they would go hunt a bear or somehing fun like that.
...well Mister Packer what a glorius way to start off my new year and to read this most amazing account as written by our hub historian in residence and to also post this world class work by you on my FACEBOOK page with a direct link back here and of course to wish you sincerely my good friend and esteemed colleage a happy new year with continued good health and happiness and prosperity too
lake erie time ontario canada 12:38pm
Quality Girl, thank you for commenting, Happy New Years to you!
Happy New Year to you Nell! Your already in 2012!
Jackie my friend! Happy New years to you! An hour to go!
Wish you coulda seen one too my lady. Bet you'd be a very romantic Georgia Peach with the bun, bonnet, hoop skirt and parasol. Skoal! and Happy New Years Sannel!
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year Alastar!
I really liked reading this hub. You always make me feel like I'm part of what ever story I'm reading of yours. I went to Fort Sumter a few years ago and they had just finished a reenactment there. I was bummed! I would love to see one, but thanks to you I can feel like I have-especially with the videos you posted with your story! Happy New Year Alastar!
Darn! All those years in the States and I never got to attend a civil war reenactment. Reading this fascinating story I would love to have experienced it at least once.
In my romantic mind I would fantasize that my blond locks would be confined in a chignon wide-bun topping it of with a bonnet and wearing five layers of clothing, a crinoline or hoop skirt, button-up shoes and carrying a fan or pretty parasol while watching an exciting battle.
Well, thanks to you, at least I got to experience a civil war reenactment through this hub!
Alastar -- I'm wishing you a very happy and wonderful new year!
Sannel
Hi moonlake. Lets see...your from Arkansas but live in Wisconsin; there some good units in Wisconsin so they should hold some reenactments up that way but not positive about where or how often. Being that far up from any Southern reenactors it might be difficult to get both sides unless they do both which a lot of them do. You can search it or if you'd like I'll see what i can find. Thank you for the vote and I'm glad you liked it. Have a very merry New Years moonlake.:)
I would really like to go to a reenactment. Enjoyed this hub. Voted up
They are exciting Peggy and the attendance is really -pardon the pun-exploding for them. There was one held in Bentonville, N.C. last year to mark the 135th anniversary of that battle and it drew around 5,000 spectators. Your an adventurous lady, go for it sometime if ones around! Thanks Peggy, Happy New Year.
Hi Alastar,
It must be something to experience a civil war reenactment first hand. I have never personally attended one but just hearing about it from your hub, it must be exciting. It would bring history to life in a way that embellishes anything read in a book. Thanks for this interesting hub.
Howdy Gail, good to hear from ya. So, you wound up a seeing a reenactment by chance eh. Yeah, the guys and gals do wear some hot clothes and I can hardly see how can they stand it in hot weather too. But, duty calls. Your most welcome Gail, thanks for stopping by!
Haha! Yes sir Cred there's a big 'catch' when it comes to scouting out artifacts on the wrong property. Cred, thanks a mil for the New Years Aloha and that goes back double to you and the missus.
Alastar, how I enjoyed this hub. I really am interested in the civil war and actually ended up at a reenactment by luck one day at a state park in South Carolina. It was a hot summer day and I felt sorry for the reenactors in those wool uniforms-those poor soldiers that had to wear them day after sweltering day! thanks again for sharing such a great story.
Hey, Alastar, Regarding the artifacts, I thought that there had to be a "catch' somewhere, but I had to ask. Well, I could put that idea on the backburner! We, I and the missus, extend a hearty Aloha to you and yours for the holiday season, Cred2
Good to see you tonight Cred, hope the goose is hangin high in Hawaii. Old country sayin- means hope all's well with ya. Cred, glad you brought up the Buffalo soldiers. There are quite a number of African-Amer. that reenact and Tony's 7th S.C. merged with the 4th New Hamp which is one such out-fit. They didn't have enough internal black soldiers which I guess the 4th had some of originally so the 7th makes up the shortfall. Here's the deal with artifacts; you bet they have value, now more than ever. The prob is private land vs Govt. land; if you own or have permission on the former, fine; but don't get caught on any state or federal Civil War property with a metal detector, lord help someone if they do. Thanks for the visit and great questions and have a funderful News Years too my friend.
Sure sounds like a lot of fun, Alastar, do you think that the Union could use a buffalo soldier or two in the ranks? BTW can you still find buried Civil War era artifacts with a good metal detector and does any of the stuff found have any value?
Ah, thank you there tammy. I looked your profile over again with a more discerning eye and gotta tell you how impressed I am. We have alot of common interests. More into say Carolyn Wonderland vs Heavy Metal but ya can't have everything. You've been to reenactments too, righteous. As far as who to root for, one Southern dude always wanted to wear the blue, and when asked why he said- S**t! They won and I like winners!
Wonderful Hub Alastar. I enjoy historical hubs and reenactments. I lived in the North for half of my life and the south the second half. Everyone one thinks I should choose a side to root for. Great sense of humor!
If you ever get the chance Augustine it should be well worth it to attend one. Thats a great question and I'll have to ask about that. In my experience the ones that are held on private property charge a small fee but the ones held on state or fed property are free. As far as becoming a reenactor most of the men and women start out slow with the accouterments n all, although regiments like S.C.7th have some things to get one started if I'm not mistaken. Thanks A.A., let us know if you participate in anyway- would love to hear about it.
A.A., the two I attended cost only for snacks and souvenirs. They usually jump at the chance to go out and 'PLAY'.
I've never attended a reenactment, but they look interesting. I wonder how much it cost to participate?
Hi Canook! Well what do you know! Never would have guessed Canada would have anything like that Angie. Ten summers now, man. That's very cool its so close to your home and that you get to learn about stuff in all the activities. Angie, I'm truly sad to hear about Abby. All dogs do go to heaven don't they. But I'm also happy to know you've adopted a Christmas puppy from the Humane Society! She's one lucky pup and will be a very good and special friend to you and all in your family.:-) Happy New Years!~Tarheel
Tony and Darrell had some great anecdotes, they sure did. Thank you drbj. Those orbs are extremely intriguing, just showing up in the photos of that one reenactor. After thinking about it because of another post today, Tony did say there was a soldiers cemetery right there where they were camping and the pics taken. Next time I talk to him or Darrell I'll ask about it some more. Happy New Years to you drbj!
Becky thank you for the interesting Nevada info, and that's a funny one about Halloween Day, very apropos haha! The economics is a fascinating part of the conflict by its self. You had ancestors on both sides, so you- hopefully- get the best of both worlds!
Hi! Tarheel Great story, in the summer we have a one day - Civil War React, 1/2 hour from my home...North..South..camps... horses...cannon..we learn alot about the Civil War. It has been going on for 10 summers. Canook P.S. Our dog Abby past away before Christmas....at Christmas we went to the Humane Society, the dog we picked was taken from a Puppy Mill....we wanted to give her a good Christmas...we feel in love with her and we adopted her today. :-)Happy New Year
Hi lyric, thank you sir! The Amer. Civil War is the second most read and studied war in history and that's really no surprise, is it my friend. I got started early on it by relatives and me pops grew up on the Lookout Mt. battlefield. As a kid he used to find minies and even a cannonball or two. Your right, it was great sitting down and listening to all the reenactor stories. Thanks a bunch lyric, have yourself a safe and funderful New Years!
This is a fascinating retelling of Civil War re-enactment episodes, Alastar. Thank you for your careful research in sharing them. Of particular interest to me is the story of the fellow named Thomas and those ghostly, eerie orbs that appeared to surround him. It would be interesting to discover whether Thomas is followed by 'auras' in other circumstances.
NV was brought into the States on Halloween day (apropos, considering how they get their money now) because the U.S. needed the silver to continue fighting the war. They were very involved.
I had ancestors fighting on both sides.
Becky what an awesome comment, thank you ma'am! Glad you brought up the reenactment you saw outside of Reno as a teenager. A lot of times we forget the Western part of the country was involved in the conflict too. And I'm also glad you brought up the ladies; spinning and weaving are just two of so very many activities the women do. Dressed a woman in a wedding gown from the bikini out! Oh my, that's very cool, well, maybe cool isn't the proper word for it. They did wear tons of clothing back then and it makes one wonder how they managed in those pre- AC days. Oh yes, how very interesting with the town in Ohio. The study of incidents above the Mason-Dixon line is fascinating stuff. Becky, thanks again for a great comment and all, have a most wonderful New Years!
Remember the first reenactment some 25 years ago at Brattonsville. That's where they later filmed a lot of the Patriot movie. Was mightely impressed then and even more so today. Thank you for the compliment Frog, have yourself a great New Years my friend!
Another great article Alastar. I have always been interested in the history of the Civil War. To see such an event would be extrordinary. Awesome to talk to the guys as well. Just the entire experience would leave me in awe. A fantastic article Alastar "as usual". Best wishes and take care.
I have been to a couple re-enactments in different parts of the country. When I was a teenager in NV, my family spent the 4th of July at Fort Churchill outside of Reno. They were having a re-enactment at the old fort, which was in use during the Civil War. It is a museum now. They had a battle but what was more interesting to me was the ladies shows. They had spinning and weaving demonstrations and also dressed a woman in a wedding gown from the bikini out. They had to wear a whole bunch of clothes then. It is not surprising that they often fainted. They had quite a few layers on and it must have gotten really hot. The poor lady that they dressed had to go swimming in between the demonstrations. It was fascinating.
I also went to one in Harrison, OH. They had a battle at a park behind the library. The town was a stopover on the underground railroad both before and during the Civil War. Some of the people who were stopovers would hide them until the people hunting them would show up and then turn them in for the reward. The town had a fascinating history.
Hi Nell! Yeah, you should have seen his face when he talked about the tarp. Those guys and gals take the authenticity very seriously. Ms. Nell cheating, never! ha-ha! So glad you got to see one and that your Civil War brings out the passion in folks too. The Germans are so into the one over here they actually hold reenactments there. Nell, thank you for the votes and all, glad you could relate so well with this one. Triple tack and have a very merry New Years my lady!
Reenactments are a marvelous thing to watch as you well know Alastar. Great Hub with history attached to it.
The Frog
Hi, fascinating stuff, I love the story of the tarpaulin under the tent! sounds like something I would cheat with! and the cannons setting off the car alarms! I actually went to a reinactment years ago in the town next to mine, it was the Royalists against Cromwell, in the 17th Century. I loved it, guns were going off, people were fighting, I felt as though I was really there, sounds like great fun, and of course a great way to learn about history, can't get better than that, learning as you do the same as your ancestors! rated up, really interesting, cheers nell
Hello there my Jamaican Jewel! I already knew a few of the anecdotes but when we finally got together for this it was awesome hearing a more complete recounting of almost everything he considered memorable. I wish you had something similar in Jamaica Cardisa. Tony's one of the nicest people you could ever met, just puts you at ease being around him, kinda laid-back you might say. The American C. War was 150 years ago and though many of the reenactors have or are in the military services its really just a passion for them. A VERY interactive hobby if you will. The spectators at their events have grown considerably over the years to the point where its not unusual to have 4 or 5 thousand people at the reenactments now. By the way, they have English C. War reenactments over there too. They also do alot of volunteer work like acting as guides to the numerous forts around. The ladies get into it also with their hoop skirts and fancy fans for example. Thank you Cardisa, hope this answered your great question. Have a very merry and safe New Years my friend!
You are so very welcome Alaster and thank you also.
Eddy.
Eddy a fellow hubber asked not long ago if it was alright to use some of the history articles in her classroom- believe the children are grade school age. Of course I told her she could use them with my blessings anytime. That makes it all the better they were written. Thank you so much for everything Eddy my friend, you know I'm wishing you a very happy new year!
Thought you'd like this one Hyph. Isn't it interesting though about all that goes on in the reenactor life. Some think its just all about big boys and girls playing make believe but in truth its so, so, much more than just that. Audacious, hmm, maybe it is a bit daring at that Hyph! Tony invited me to come along on a reenactment in future and I may take him up on it before long. Merci beaucoup Ms. B!
Hello there my handsome friend!
These are really interesting stories. I have seen such stuff in the movies but never experienced those re-enactments first hand, nor do I know anyone who does. Tony seems like a very nice fellow too. Maybe I missed something, but, are these people former soldiers or just actors?
In talking to the reenactors one gets a sense- as a matter of fact Tony actually said he feels like he's back in time on occasion during reenactments Bryan. I don't know, but there was a book put out a few years ago called Return of the Revolutionarys that had portraits of people from the Revolutionary War period who the author matched up with photos of people today and sure enough many were strikingly similar. Bryan sir, do so appreciate the congrats, here's to a happy and creative new year for you my friend!
Oh it was a lot of fun Spirit. We sat around Tony's place in front of a warming fire. You could still see the awe in his eyes as he described the unexpected appearance of those two thousand blue-coats on top of the ridge. The orbs are not an unusual phenom in spots like the fort. Now that you mention it, they were camping on the exact same ground as the original soldiers did. I believe he said there was a cemetery there too. Irish, thank you my friend, may you and the family have a very happy New Years!
I agree with Hyph you should indeed be teaching somewhere Alaster.
I have learnt more history from your hubs than I have done from anywhere else,this one being as good as any of them.
I hope you had a great Christmas Alaster.
Take care
Eddy.
Alastar, I love this Hub. It is fun, interesting and exciting to read of the reenactments and all that happens. I have suspected those guys have lots of fun and, well, imbibe. I flatter you not but tell the truth when I say that you should be teaching somewhere. This is a perfectly audacious article.
To put my spin on it,I've seen some "Civil War Reenactors" get their wish of actually traveling in time(some science fiction series,there are a few) to the real Civil War to find their souls in the struggle and determination to help this Nation with growing pains to find its own soul as we are still and hopefully always searching for.;)
You've reported the enthusiasm and dedication of these reenactors in a detailed and congratulatory,by me,way Alaster.;-))
What a great hub and I bet you had fun doing the research too! I can imagine how it must feel to be part of a full scale reenactment and it has to give the participants a flavour for the real thing. I was particularly intrigued by the story of the orbs around one of the reeneactors and it would have been great if one of those photos could have been included with this hub. Thank you Dixie for another masterpiece.
You know alot of ladies are involved in the reenactments too. They're as particular as the men in the authenticity part of it. Their dresses are a good example. My sister does it on occasion but gets a bit bored sometimes walking around while the boys have fun in front of the spectators. Haha Tony and Darrell said it was unbelievable all them stomping a big brush fire out with their boots in front of thousands of people. All were amazed they'd been able to do it! What a sight it must have been. Thank you Kelly! PS- what are we going to do about that Thomas character who keeps on appropriating our names without compensation?
Interesting Alastar - I've always wondered what it would be like to be at one of those reenactments. Sounds pretty exciting! I could imagine what it looked like with all those people charging! Lol
Good thing there were able to stomp that fire out!
Femme it was fun listening to Tony and Darrell recount there reenactor stories over the week-end. Once Tony got rollin and the pen started recording we had us a fine time. That's true about the emotions and excitement they feel. You could tell Tonys awe as he described his first year seeing the thousands of blue soldiers suddenly come up on the ridge line at Chickamauga. The whole experience is very special to them and brings great camaraderie and joy. How bout them orbs though. Seems they had a particular affinity for the fellow didn't they. Thanks Angelia, Happy New Years to you my friend!
Alastar,
This is awesome! What a fun and invigorating interview opportunity!! I'm nearly jealous! (Teasing of course - in truth, I'm thrilled for you to have gotten to do an interview like this!)
I've only caught small mentions from local re-enactors, but never anything as graphic and informative as this one, and you've related it superbly.
I would imagine that being a re-enactor would be a very emotional undertaking the first few times someone engaged in it. At least, it would be for me.
And, the info about the orbs dancing around Thomas leaves room for a whole lot of speculation. It's a fascinating account!
femme
Alastar Packer Hub Author 7 weeks ago
Ah man, thats awesome Randy. To be honest about it, your brother's group having the same rank as their ancestors comes as no surprise; rarely, if ever, have I seen such a deep-seated respect and desire for authenticity as in the re-enactors. Maybe you could consider writing one yourself about your bro and his comrades anecdotes. ha ha, oh yes on the shade; those wool suits sure get hot! Thanks Randy.