Our first living history event of the 2023 season, held at Tannehill State Park, signified distinct and evident growth of participation in the hobby and a renewed spirit among the public with high turn out each day.
For the 31st Alabama / 20th Kentucky, Company F, it was an opportunity to connect with old friends, eat great food, and share our knowledge of the past with the public. It also served as an opportunity for growth as we welcomed four potential members into our fold.
In my recollection as Captain of the company, it was the busiest event that I have ever had, from the implementation and execution of a new administrative process for loaning out company owned and member's personal gear and equipment, to potential members falling in for the first time, to trying our hand at the sutlery business.
We fielded a complement of 16 men the first day, and 14 the second day, which is a decent number of rifles in the field given the size of our company and the size of the event which was host to somewhere between 200 to 300 total living historians by my estimation. Some may argue that doesn't seem like a lot of folks; however, given the past few years, it is an improvement and welcome sight especially given the required time, energy, and personal resources required to go and "do" what we as living historians do. We aren't paid actors in some "Civil War Theatre" production as our "Friends" at ABC's Good Morning America have designated us. Rather, we are mostly dedicated living historians, educators, and enthusiasts who understand the value of witnessing an interpretation of history as opposed to just the information inferenced from the pages of your favorite civil war text. We read those books, and then do our best to bring that information to life.
This weekend began with rough weather as a nasty system with strong straight line winds blew across the state of Alabama. However, what followed the storms of Friday was beautiful calm and warm weather with two cool nights. We could not have been blessed with better conditions for a living history event and comfortable camping.
Setting Camp
After arriving at the event site around 2:30 in the afternoon, I visited with the Lt. Colonel and Colonel who had selected ground to camp on, yielding us some level of spoiling as we found ourselves in the middle of a state park campground with access to bathhouses and running water, a true departure from our norm and from historical accuracy. However, I am not complaining, and must admit that I stand appreciative of the relevance of running water and a good spoiling. This was a "Mainstream Quality Event" and I shall soon see the other end of the spectrum with my trip to Fort Blakeley in the coming weeks.
Camp was set with its back along a creek and front to the road that ran the length of the campground. Our particular spot gave great access to visiting spectators looking for pictures and to see our demonstrations as well as ample ease of access for our living historians.
Though the ground here was very coarse and mostly gravel, we were afforded an excellent area to drill and stage the company for formation and before each days main skirmish.
After setting the camp we immediately moved into the first nights operations which were inclusive of discussion of the upcoming weekends expectations, instructions to the enlisted, and cooking. Our Quartermaster Sergeant prepared steaks, accompanied by a loaf of Italian style bread. We then settled in for the first night which saw temperatures fall to the upper 40's which proved to be mostly comfortable for the members of our company. The following morning began early with the Reveille sounded at 7:00.
Event Structure
To give you an understanding of a typical event's structure, generally we follow a standard schedule: Reveille, Officer's Call, Drill, 1st Call, 2nd Call if needed, staging for the skirmish we are depicting, Battle, Salute, return to the camps, clean the guns, eat, and socialize, and on Saturdays one may include a period ball. The Ladies Tea and church services are offered at most events as well.
Drill & Development
A coincidence of growth in numbers, as well as in our craft, requires dedication to practice, such as drill for enlisted, and learning what to wear as well as what "not" to wear. Drill is an opportunity to create company movements that support the company's execution of specific action in the field. The company performed very well this weekend with regard to drill and execution; however, we must strive to work on our accuracy in personal impressions and in the realm of suppression of "Farb" or modern items that do not belong in the period we portray as living historians. This is not to say we aren't doing great, but we must continuously work to be better and improve our impressions and I have the right people with me to do this with. I myself have a long ways to go as I can always learn new Commands and do better with my own impressions.
The Battles
On Saturday a scenario was depicted which called for Confederate forces to ambush or surprise a Federal column of infantry moving into the area. Use of the terrain, which features a slight rise, gave way to the perfect concealment of the Confederate forces and caused for a tactical advantage and surprise of Federal forces, which were greatly disadvantaged as the Confederates swarmed down the hill on all sides, causing a rout into the creek at the Federal Commands rear.
Sunday saw the roles reversed, with our company positioned on the far right flank of the Confederate forces. Our company was ordered forward at the Double Quick and crested the hill, immediately taking the enemy by surprise with a volley of fire and smoke. The second day's fight saw roles reversed with the Federal forces crushing and routing the Confederates into and across the creek to the rear of their position. For this particular event, I was made to be a casualty both days given the circumstances of the battle.
A presentation of Arms and Salute followed each day's scenario and skirmish:
A Trade Blanket to Make Shift Sutlery
The good First Sergeant and I tried our hand at establishing the beginnings of the "Gem of the Hills Sutlery" this weekend which saw $140.00 dollars of revenue generated for this venture. We are greatly appreciative to our gracious benefactor, Pvt. Tschida, who fronted the initial upstart merchandise and secured a deal to supply the meager beginnings of our business with low risk. We are hopeful to see our side hustle grow in time as we continue to develop our experience in the hobby.
Thanks Major Boothe!
A special acknowledgement and thanks must be given to our dear friend, compatriot, and Major, Jeremy Boothe, who worked tirelessly and selflessly to secure the event at Tannehill State Park after its absence for eight long years. We are very grateful to claim him as one of our own members and as a true and loyal servant to the history and heritage we all claim as Americans.
Thank you Jeremy for all of your hard work! We were honored to join you and support you at this event!
The Purchase of an Original Gun
One of my favorite memories that will come from the past weekend is the scramble to sell my Chippawa 1853 Pattern Enfield from the fine folks at Dixie Gun works in order to secure the funds needed to purchase this "1864 Bridesburg Contract Gun" which is an original piece. It is stamped on the butt of the stock "G. A. R. 117 PA" which may allude to whom it was produced for or for its particular order details. I am currently researching this information and plan to release an article on what I learn in the near future. I will be eternally grateful to my friend Matt Yeaton for the wonderful addition to my collection as it is my first original piece.
I would wrap up my writing here with my thanks to those of you who have chosen to follow along with my adventures in the 31st. I very much enjoy what I do and am quite appreciative that I have the opportunity to do this each year with a great group of living historians and very good friends. I do very much consider these people to be an extended family!
Captain Sumner
A few pictures of our company and friends at Tannehill State Park this past weekend!
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