It is the 4th of July. The activity for today is a living history civil war battle reenactment at a farm just down the road. It is sponsored by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association.
The event included many civil war reenactors in period costumes.
These are people with an interest in the history of the civil war who have
become involved in participating in living history of the period by reliving
the life style, acquiring costumes and uniforms and attending events like this
one.
The event today was the 2nd day of a two-day
event. The reenactors we saw today were
sleeping in civil war pup tents (some had cots) and cooked meals over a period
wood stove. The only bathrooms we saw were portable toilets. Their living area
encampments were open to the public and most groups had canopies where they
gathered. It did not seem there were
many individuals/couples without some sort of group/family affiliation. Also, lots of young people, not just an old
guys thing .
There were also several booths selling things, mostly civil
war related. Likewise, there were several
booth/tents demonstrating various civil war era technologies (sewing, quilting,
laundry, etc.). There were also lots of
people dressed up in civil war uniforms, both Union and Confederate. We toured
the various things to see and endured a long line at the food booth for a chili
dog lunch.
The reenacted battle between the Union and Confederate
reenactors began at 2:00 pm. It was sort
of a reenactment of the battle in the Wheatfield on Day 2 of the Battle of Gettysburg. The Union won this one. It was very impressive. There were cannons, cavalry and lots of people in uniform. Also, lots of spectators. Someone said there were 6000 people here
yesterday. I am not sure there were that
many people here today but it was very crowded. The weather was clear and hot and a little
humid and we drank lots of water.
We are glad we went.
It was an excellent example of living history and people enjoying their
hobby of historical reenactment as well as a lot of spectators who came to
enjoy the show. I am sure there are some
people who do not approve of civil war reenactments, probably thinking they
glorify the Confederate cause that should be best forgotten. History is a little more complicated than that
and how it should be viewed retrospectively is another discussion. Today was just a celebration of Americans,
none whom I am sure want to reintroduce slavery or succeed from the Union. It was just people celebrating their historical
heritage, bringing their families to a special place, and having a good time.
No more no less. We celebrate
the 4th of July today and resume our trip home tomorrow.
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