1998 Gettysburg Reenactment
by Col Paul Whaley, 33rd Alabama Reenactors
While
I did not attend the recent Gettysburg re-enactment, I did attend the 135th
event there in 1998. That was the largest re-enactment held to date in this
country and likely the largest that will ever be held. There were almost 25,000
uniformed troops on the field covering all branches of service. All three days
of the battle were re-created within sight of both Round Tops. The scale of the
event and the scenarios on the field were unprecedented.
Most
impressive, however, was Pickett's charge on the final day wherein the Confederate
assault was full scale: over 13,000 troops forming a line of battle over 3/4 of
a mile long and advancing over one mile of open field to the stone wall. A
preliminary barrage was provided by almost 200 full-scale artillery pieces. The
Confederates stepped forward with colors unfurled and advanced to a dirt road
lined on both sides with a rail/worm fence located within 400 yards of the
federal position. The fences were knocked down and as with the original battle,
the men were moved forward a few feet and the commands were given all along the
line, directing men to guide center on their colors and advance at the common
time. The federals were six deep along a stone wall loading rifles in the rear
and passing them forward. It was a solid sheet of flame and noise.
After
advancing 40 or so yards the command was given to move at the quick time, then
the double quick, and then the charge with the Rebel yell. The roar of battle
was unbelievable. It was truly an opportunity to experience for just a moment
something that might have approximated the actual event in the same time of the
year within 4 miles of where it actually happened, but without the carnage.
Truly a magic moment for this re-enactor and for many.
No comments:
Post a Comment