The Union cavalry, decked out in official uniforms, began their march through the streets of the village on their way to prepare for the battle that was drawing near. The horses seemed anxious but the soldiers appeared calm and ready to engage the enemy.
On the opposite side of the
road the Confederate foot soldiers were also making their preparations for battle. They appeared more 'ragtag,' wearing makeshift clothes put together to make somewhat of an official uniform.
While the soldiers march and prepare for battle the two Confederate officers make plans for bringing in the canon. (Our guest, Doug Taylor in the white hat and long coat is the Lt. Colonel
of the Confederate regiment and is in charge of the company canon.)
The battle began with gunfire in the distant woods and soon escalated into the open field. The lines were drawn with the Confederate and Union troops standing opp opposite each other and firing on command.
The Union cavalry soon arrived from the neighboring woods where they had been grouping and swooped down to attack the Confederate infantry, sending the foot soldiers scattering in all directions.
The battle intensified with horses and men scurrying in all directions and
more smoke began to fill the air.
But
wait!!! All is not lost with the Confederates as the Lt. Colonel and his troops brought in the big canon and began blasting rounds at the Union line, forcing the foot soldiers and the cavalry to scatter. Perhaps the tide would turn and the Confederates would get the upper hand.
The Confederate canon brigade keeps firing.
And the canon smoke soon fills the field with smoke, sending some of it into the air to form smoke ring signals, as if calling out to someone to send reinforcements.
The field is now so thick with smoke from the canon that soldiers could not identify who was on what side, Union or Confederate.
But the Union cavalry soon regroups and in one final charge they are able to overpower the Confederate canon and claim the victory.
Back in the village, the Union army celebrated its victory as the fife and drum corp played for all to hear. The battle ended and camp life got back to normal.
Our
guests, Doug and Debbie, invited us to be their guests at the evening Civil War reenactors dinner which the women prepared while the men were involved in battle. And a fabulous meal it was! Jambalaya fit for a king along with fresh baked corn bread made in the authentic Hope oven and cobbler to top every thing off! We had seconds and needless to say, we did not leave hungry! Reenactors must be authentic down to every detail so when you attend one, you will see life as it was really lived in the 1860's.
This was, by far, the best Civil War reenactment that we have attended and because, for the next 4 years, our country will be commemorating the 150th anniversary of this war, we would highly recommend that you make plans to attend a reenactment next summer or the next 3 summers. There will be a huge reenactment at Gettysburg in July of 2013. Doug and Debbie will definitely be there. And we want to thank Doug and Debbie for the great time we had in August at Hale Farm! They will be there next year so make your plans now for next August. One more great thing to do in Northeast Ohio!!!!
Debbie Kopnitsky at the stove!! Great meal Debbie! Thanks so much!
