The guys doing this reinactment are the best I've ever seen. ! It seems so realistic . They deserve some acknowledgement for all their work and attention to details .
This was my first reenactment as a member of the 8th Ohio Infantry, National Regiment. To say I was hooked would be an understatement. I am still at it all these years later!
This was a great reenactment I'll never forget it.....I was fortunate to participate in quite a few of these huge battle reenactments, these were great times and encampments that resembled war time conditions just the size of it was incredible
I recently toured this hallowed ground and the scope and size of the battlefield really brought home what the brave men on both sides faced. It was awe inspiring to see the actual battlefield area.
I was at this event, probably the largest reenactment in the US. I saw myself but more importantly I saw long lost friends. So many no longer with us, among them Dale McCabe, aka Jeb Stuart. One of the most generous, kindest and most endearing reenactors I've ever met. He was a friend and neighbor! He spent a small fortune providing us, his staff and troops with a catered buffet in the camp, in the middle of nowhere in high style with waiters in white we dined on frogs legs and fine foods. Gen Lee, Bob Moates was the living embodiment of Gen Lee, we loved him. This event was grueling, hot and exhausting and the scale was never seen again and a standout event all these years later. God bless Gen Lee and all our Southern heroes who fought the evil of tyranny.
@Gary Daniel Sadly you are right! I saw alot of old friends! Bob Moates was Gen Lee, I was privlaged to have been with him at his last event at the 137th Chancellorsville. At the 125th Appomattox he was amazing, emotional and resolute, such a kind man.
@actionguy60 I know! Lol I never reply to the "guy" because I already know what it is and where it comes from. It's a group with prearranged replies and comments. I was in a mood, felt like venting. Especially since I have personal experiences with this specific event and wanted to change the tone a bit.
@actionguy60 I typically let it be but occasionally like to make a ruckus in the hope people flag his comments. Futile I know but this channel and video in particular will get alot of views so maybe people will report it. Sometimes I just like to get mouthy too! Unfortunately politicians in this country are too busy trying to keep their job and being PC to realize the socialist and communist parties are now no different than ISIS, wiping the nation clean so as to place their doctrine as the only way for the future. Ultimately most of America is completely unrepresented by their elected representatives. The Democratic party is a joke, Republicans not much better. I noticed it in the mid 80s myself. It's not stopping, it's far too late. Will Americans let themselves be a subjugated and disarmed people to be harvested for their money and labor? Time will tell! In the meantime I enjoy American history, my family being in Md since the 1650s. The War of Northern Aggression is of particular interest having so many Confederate ancestors I grew up with the stories and family artifacts. Soon we'll have to enjoy our history hidden in basements with close friends who can keep our secrets.
@actionguy60 That's fantastic! The 46th was a very as active unit. They were definitely at the wilderness although I don't think they were at Gettysburg. My gg grandfather 16 and his brother 15 were in 2nd Maryland Co B CSA, both severely wounded at Gettysburg on Culps Hill. They were at the Petersburg breakthrough in 65 along with your 46th. Their father, my ggg grandfather was 1st Maryland artillery CSA enlisting at 49. He was in seven days and Sharpsburg like your 46th ancestor. He was with Jackson when he took Harpers ferry. All serving until Appomattox or captured in route to Danville in 65. Also have dozens and dozens of "uncles" and "cousins" in Md Confederate units as well as Virginia and south Carolina units. Look into the SCV if you're not already a member. Great organization and people, preservation of all history is important. I had a grandfather in WW1, a signal officer pilot and my other grandfather at WW2 D day and germany. So he was a ball turret gunner and was shot out of the sky? Good grief!! Those men were simply incredible! Not sure a generation like our Confederate ancestors or our WW1 and WW2 ancestors will ever be seen again. Hope you can get to see more battlefields. I'm near Gettysburg and go often, not far from Sharpsburg and Harper's ferry and N Virginia battlefields too. I've been to NC sites like ft Fisher, ft branch and Bentonville as a tourist and as a reenactor also toured SC, MS, GA and Tenn. Glad you enjoyed my simple little videos! It's just my reenacting relics and some original stuff, there's actually alot more upstairs, I'm also a relic but not seen in the video! Marylanders have a great affection for NC because they fought with them in so many battles, like culps hill but also because the state of NC gave the Maryland Confederate units Mississippi rifles in 1861. I had a ggg uncle in the 1st Maryland infantry, a Captain in 1861 who received the Mississippi rifles. He later was Capt of Richmond heavy artillery. A Mississippi rifle is seen briefly in the video. Shorter than the Enfield or 1862 Richmond Springfield.
One of the best of these videos. I still remember fondly watching this series on VHS when it was released at the time. Even after all these years, the battle re-enactments still pack a punch. I would love to see these videos remastered.
Now THIS is a fantastic example of how much blackpowder smoke was in the real battles. These days the reenactments aren't big enough to really show how foggy it was.
So nice reading ACW comments without the usual trollish "Yankees were butchers" or "Rebels were devils" comments. This is by far one of the better reenactment videos I've watched; nice commentary and not dwelling on minutes of reenactors trying to shoot down airplanes.
Ikr. These troopers act with energy and drop like a sack of potatoes when getting hit compared to the usual Hollywood and reenactment style of showing how a realistic battle would've looked like in-person. Crazy stuff this is.
Kudos to the people putting this on. This must have had a similar flavor to what went on.. movies never have the realistic cries and cursing and screaming and the real pandemonium
My 3rd great grandfather was taken prisoner twice during the war and taken too lookout point, Maryland and survived being taken there twice. Lived till 80 as well he was in the 23rd North Carolina infantry regiment company I
I grew up in Spotsylvania all my friends and family that lived on Civil War grounds, would find bannonettes and bullets, I never searched because I really wasnt into it at the time. Also... Myself, and many friends have had ghostly experiences in this area. Very real.and creepy, but no one was ever injured.
I remember visiting the area a number of years ago and in some parts of the “mule shoe” you could still see indentations in the ground from the trenches. I was quite taken aback by seeing this, and being to see this connection to the past there.
My 3rd great grandfather was taken that day too to lookout point, Maryland and survived being taken there twice. Lived till 80 as well 🤣 23rd North Carolina infantry regiment company I
I had this entire video series on vhs as a kid, my parents got it for me for Christmas one year. I think I watched every episode a dozen times, especially spotsylvania.
Except the way Officers handeling their swords. They're not doing it by the sword manual. Swords aren't blinkers, most of them shouldering it wrong. Even today.
Great reenactment of the US Civil war- one of the BEST I've seen- so many men and action scenes Well Done everyone involved! Personally I see the battle of the Wilderness and Spotsilvania as Lee's greatest as he simply stood his ground and all his men fought for what 'they believed in'! While Grant- heedless of failed attempts and his own soldiers simply could always call-up for more men, supplies and money- yess these type of disproportionate battles of attrition will be the South's demise!
To be fair lee had his line broken three times resulting in to many men captures or killed of course lee did counter it but Grant was a modern general where modern american doctrine is based off of focusing on stradegic victories over tactical and extreme aggression which would be used with deadly effect in later wars like ww2 and Korea
I'm very impressed with the discipline of the artillery reenacting. I have a relative resting at Spotsylvania. Such a waste of good men dying. Look at the issues we are facing today. We are most likely headed towards a political Civil War. We are destined to repeat history since we have not learned from our past
A political Civil War was inevitable ever since the signing of the Constitution. The founding fathers and the politicians that came after them have built a government By The Wealthy For The Wealthy not a government By The People For the People. The wealthy will not give up their power. So to make this a true government For The People a political Civil War will have to take place. I just hope I am still here to watch it.
I've always wished the American Battlefield Trust, or whoever oversees the Spostylvania battlefield, would renovate a section of the Mule Shoe trench line to make it close to what it would have looked like in May of '64. I think something similar was done at the Somme battlefield in Europe (not 100% sure about this). Just so visitors can get a sense of how impressive those earthworks were. All that's left of them now is basically a slight hump in the ground. I'm sure there are very valid reasons for not doing so, though.
Pity about the picture quality on this presentation - the bane of TH-cam. Nevertheless, this is probably the best re-enactment film I've seen, way more convincing and informative than most. Of course, in those days it was still legal to dress up as a Confederate & look like you meant it.
Wow, some of the most imposing CW reenactment footage I've ever watched! Amazing scope and direction. Too bad the video quality is somewhat lacking (compared to our modern standards, that is). At any rate, thanks for the upload. Greetz from Athens! (not GA, the original one ;-))
The old VHS video is nostalgic to say the least! This was my 2nd reenactment, I'm visible a few times with the colors. This was a huge event and estimates say 13,000 participated. I was on a hill at one point with Gen Lee and staff and saw the entire battlefield, it was breathtaking. In 25 years it's still the most impressive and largest reenactment in the US. Later I fought in the mule shoe and was "captured" and never have I been in such massive encounter at an event. Gives just a tiny glimpse of of scale of actual battles. Greetings from Maryland CSA.
@@charlescalvert8647 Amazing, thanks for sharing the memories! I really hope that by the time I manage to visit the US of A (for a CW-related pilgrimage of sorts) battle reenactments won't be a thing of the past (with all the PC madness), for I'm really looking forward to attending a major one...
@@Freawulf Its a valid concern about reenactments you have but in the Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania area you should certainly be able to find reenactments and great battlefields to visit. The scale is certainly smaller now. A great reenactment unit to look up that's active in this region is 2nd Maryland Co D. I'm actually a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans as well as a reenactor. I had family at Gettysburg, at Culps Hill from Maryland. The impact of the war lingers and treatment of Southern citizens is a continued struggle. We do our best to preserve our heritage but it's all under attack, not just Confederate history but all history as it relates to the USA. My grandfather's WW1 monument is under attack as well as ones from the American revolution. We're not sure where it's all going but the fight is on! I hope you can get here and enjoy the sites and experience a reenactment soon.
What unit where you with? I was 1st va cavalry and HQ. I remembered much more than I thought, I have the original VHS tape but no way to play it. It was such an out of the way site and massive camps. Getting water was an ordeal! We also had a signal tower at the edge of camp to do cross line communication with the fed camps. We went on foot for the mule shoe and got captured, we went behind the lines and on a hill overlooking the battlefield, it was an incredible site! Tons and great artillery too! We arrived Wednesday, with battles Thursday and Friday, in the hot woods. Saturday and Sunday the numbers seemed to triple! After Sunday's battle we went to Richmond to do the parade. Tired, filthy we marched along monument street.
Charles Calvert I was a captain then and led a company of Michigan men in the Cumberland Guard battalion of the Western Brigade which was associated with the National Regiment. I participated in most of the 125th events from Manassas to Saylers Creek/Appomattox. I missed 125 Antietam and went to Cedar Mountain instead. My favorite of the 125 events was Gettysburg in June 88. I bought most of the Classic Image tapes but not all.
@@lowellwhite1603 That's great! We were on many of the same fields! After the 125th series I gave up the horses, Capt of Md/Va infantry and then signal corps by the 150th. Gettysburg always is special for me having ancestors that fought there, Spotsylvania Wilderness was just amazing. The 125th series was magical! Manassas, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania wilderness, New Market, Cedar Creek all fun! We just do living history at private events locally now.
Charles Calvert I injured my leg at 130 Gettysburg. After that I only attended local Michigan events. I never officially retired from reenacting but it has been several years since I attended an event.
My GG Grandfather, Pvt Valentine Vogt, Company D 99th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, fell there on May 12th taking a bullet to his head. Apparent he was buried in a mass grace as there are no burial records found.
Great stuff. Isn't if fascinating how Upton's formations mirrored Napoleon's columns, when such a thing would have seemed to be outdated by half a century? Amazing. Also, you have to wonder how the war would have turned out if Lee hadn't squandered his manpower in repeated, inconclusive battles. I have to say, I reckon him a very poor commander, flamboyant, aggressive, and ultimately more dangerous to his cause than to his enemy.
Many later battles or sieges had substantial entrenchments, trenches and earthworks. At this event the mule shoe was recreated pretty well. It rained and was muddy, we slept in the trenches for the morning battle. Using private lands the owners dont typically allow reenactors to do tear it up too much. Also need alot of volunteers weeks or months ahead of the event to do all the work to prepare for the event. Planning can take years for large events. Some landowners love having reenactments and let us do whatever we want, this is rare. When using original battlefields, like New Market or Cedar Creek theres no moving of anything, land or structures like fences.
@@charlescalvert8647 I visited the New Market Battlefield as a teenager. I still remember the wonderful gift shop there and my collection of Civil War figures I purchased.
@@TheHighwayhoss So cool you have a great memory of visiting an important battlefield! Did you see the reenactment or visit to just see the site? At age 15 New Market was my very first reenactment, I was just to the left of the VMI Cadets and charged the cannon. Its special battlefield and well preserved site. I've done many, many reenactments there since that time and it's always amazing.
@@TheHighwayhoss That's great! I enjoyed visiting New Market and Gettysburg with my parents back in the early 80s. I think New market visitors center and museum is more substantial now.
By all accounts the Southern Rebels were in general better sharp shooters than Their Northern counter parts having lived more off the land and less dependent on the easier way of life more prevalent north of the Mason Dixon Line. With the Exception of the The Adirondack Mountain Men of northern N.Y. The Green Mountain Boys of Vermont and The Men of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. And Many hardy Farm Boys in between. Had the south had the industrial might, supply lines that the North had to draw on, I believe Us Yankees would be eating a lot more collard greens & Grits today. One of My Ancestor's Joseph R. Hart was wounded at Antietam, captured and spent the rest of the the War At Andersonville prison camp Georgia, Where He Died of Starvation, miss treatment and complications from His wounds. His Body lies Interred there Somewhere.
Good my serious opinion. of everything that happened in that war if it were not for abraham lincoln. the emancipation and liberation of the united states would not have happened
It seems they are only playing a gun . If this gun will kill you why you need to stand and not cover yourselves. Is this the way the superpower american soldiers fight during those times. They are not using their heads at all that 's why there are many casualties. This is a foolish style of fighting or combating.
The guys doing this reinactment are the best I've ever seen. ! It seems so realistic . They deserve some acknowledgement for all their work and attention to details .
I WAS THERE!
It was a hot & epic weekend
It was not hot and epic, it was pouring rain and they died in mudpits of water.
This was my first reenactment as a member of the 8th Ohio Infantry, National Regiment. To say I was hooked would be an understatement. I am still at it all these years later!
This was a great reenactment I'll never forget it.....I was fortunate to participate in quite a few of these huge battle reenactments, these were great times and encampments that resembled war time conditions just the size of it was incredible
I recently toured this hallowed ground and the scope and size of the battlefield really brought home what the brave men on both sides faced. It was awe inspiring to see the actual battlefield area.
Well done just watched this again after visiting Spotsylvania Battlefield.
I have been there. Brave men on both sides.
Thank you great video. I was there too and left the battlefield in tears thinking of all those brave souls that died there…
I was at this event, probably the largest reenactment in the US.
I saw myself but more importantly I saw long lost friends. So many no longer with us, among them Dale McCabe, aka Jeb Stuart. One of the most generous, kindest and most endearing reenactors I've ever met. He was a friend and neighbor!
He spent a small fortune providing us, his staff and troops with a catered buffet in the camp, in the middle of nowhere in high style with waiters in white we dined on frogs legs and fine foods.
Gen Lee, Bob Moates was the living embodiment of Gen Lee, we loved him.
This event was grueling, hot and exhausting and the scale was never seen again and a standout event all these years later.
God bless Gen Lee and all our Southern heroes who fought the evil of tyranny.
@Gary Daniel Sadly you are right!
I saw alot of old friends!
Bob Moates was Gen Lee, I was privlaged to have been with him at his last event at the 137th Chancellorsville.
At the 125th Appomattox he was amazing, emotional and resolute, such a kind man.
@actionguy60 I know! Lol
I never reply to the "guy" because I already know what it is and where it comes from. It's a group with prearranged replies and comments.
I was in a mood, felt like venting. Especially since I have personal experiences with this specific event and wanted to change the tone a bit.
@actionguy60 This "guy" in particular has commented on my videos for years. I have multiple channels.
@actionguy60 I typically let it be but occasionally like to make a ruckus in the hope people flag his comments. Futile I know but this channel and video in particular will get alot of views so maybe people will report it.
Sometimes I just like to get mouthy too!
Unfortunately politicians in this country are too busy trying to keep their job and being PC to realize the socialist and communist parties are now no different than ISIS, wiping the nation clean so as to place their doctrine as the only way for the future. Ultimately most of America is completely unrepresented by their elected representatives. The Democratic party is a joke, Republicans not much better.
I noticed it in the mid 80s myself. It's not stopping, it's far too late.
Will Americans let themselves be a subjugated and disarmed people to be harvested for their money and labor?
Time will tell!
In the meantime I enjoy American history, my family being in Md since the 1650s. The War of Northern Aggression is of particular interest having so many Confederate ancestors I grew up with the stories and family artifacts. Soon we'll have to enjoy our history hidden in basements with close friends who can keep our secrets.
@actionguy60 That's fantastic! The 46th was a very as active unit.
They were definitely at the wilderness although I don't think they were at Gettysburg.
My gg grandfather 16 and his brother 15 were in 2nd Maryland Co B CSA, both severely wounded at Gettysburg on Culps Hill. They were at the Petersburg breakthrough in 65 along with your 46th. Their father, my ggg grandfather was 1st Maryland artillery CSA enlisting at 49. He was in seven days and Sharpsburg like your 46th ancestor. He was with Jackson when he took Harpers ferry.
All serving until Appomattox or captured in route to Danville in 65. Also have dozens and dozens of "uncles" and "cousins" in Md Confederate units as well as Virginia and south Carolina units.
Look into the SCV if you're not already a member. Great organization and people, preservation of all history is important.
I had a grandfather in WW1, a signal officer pilot and my other grandfather at WW2 D day and germany.
So he was a ball turret gunner and was shot out of the sky? Good grief!!
Those men were simply incredible! Not sure a generation like our Confederate ancestors or our WW1 and WW2 ancestors will ever be seen again.
Hope you can get to see more battlefields. I'm near Gettysburg and go often, not far from Sharpsburg and Harper's ferry and N Virginia battlefields too. I've been to NC sites like ft Fisher, ft branch and Bentonville as a tourist and as a reenactor also toured SC, MS, GA and Tenn.
Glad you enjoyed my simple little videos! It's just my reenacting relics and some original stuff, there's actually alot more upstairs, I'm also a relic but not seen in the video!
Marylanders have a great affection for NC because they fought with them in so many battles, like culps hill but also because the state of NC gave the Maryland Confederate units Mississippi rifles in 1861. I had a ggg uncle in the 1st Maryland infantry, a Captain in 1861 who received the Mississippi rifles. He later was Capt of Richmond heavy artillery.
A Mississippi rifle is seen briefly in the video. Shorter than the Enfield or 1862 Richmond Springfield.
One of the best of these videos. I still remember fondly watching this series on VHS when it was released at the time. Even after all these years, the battle re-enactments still pack a punch. I would love to see these videos remastered.
I've spent i don't know how long trolling just for the song at the end.
It's so grim and eery, yet awe inspiring of the images it conjures...
Now THIS is a fantastic example of how much blackpowder smoke was in the real battles. These days the reenactments aren't big enough to really show how foggy it was.
So nice reading ACW comments without the usual trollish "Yankees were butchers" or "Rebels were devils" comments. This is by far one of the better reenactment videos I've watched; nice commentary and not dwelling on minutes of reenactors trying to shoot down airplanes.
Away down south in the land of traitors lol.
Ikr. These troopers act with energy and drop like a sack of potatoes when getting hit compared to the usual Hollywood and reenactment style of showing how a realistic battle would've looked like in-person.
Crazy stuff this is.
Rattlesnakes and alligators
Number one comment? Best Re-Enactment absolutely for sure. Can you imagine the logistics to do this film.
Number one in many we’ve all seen???
A great film of a superb re-enactment. Thanks for posting this. 😎
The narrator of these 1989 reenactments documentaries is one of the best.
Kudos to the people putting this on. This must have had a similar flavor to what went on.. movies never have the realistic cries and cursing and screaming and the real pandemonium
My 3rd great grandfather was taken prisoner twice during the war and taken too lookout point, Maryland and survived being taken there twice. Lived till 80 as well he was in the 23rd North Carolina infantry regiment company I
Impressive re-enactment, the best I've seen
I grew up in Spotsylvania all my friends and family that lived on Civil War grounds, would find bannonettes and bullets, I never searched because I really wasnt into it at the time. Also... Myself, and many friends have had ghostly experiences in this area. Very real.and creepy, but no one was ever injured.
I remember visiting the area a number of years ago and in some parts of the “mule shoe” you could still see indentations in the ground from the trenches. I was quite taken aback by seeing this, and being to see this connection to the past there.
Do you have some stories to share about these ghostly encounters?
My 3rd Great Grandfather was one of the 950 Confederate soldiers taken prisoner that day! He served in Georgia's 44th Volunteer regiment, Company I.
My 3rd great grandfather was taken that day too to lookout point, Maryland and survived being taken there twice. Lived till 80 as well 🤣 23rd North Carolina infantry regiment company I
I had this entire video series on vhs as a kid, my parents got it for me for Christmas one year. I think I watched every episode a dozen times, especially spotsylvania.
Thank you. Brilliantly done! Much better and much more interesting than the usual boring documentary with the usual boring commentators
Back then Reenactment was more historical accurate then today.
@Chaloner I agree with you, but it’s still kinda cool seeing Robert E. Lee with a red lightsaber.
Much more
Is so accurate that someone literally died
This is amazing!
Except the way Officers handeling their swords. They're not doing it by the sword manual. Swords aren't blinkers, most of them shouldering it wrong. Even today.
Great reenactment of the US Civil war- one of the BEST I've seen- so many men and action scenes Well Done everyone involved!
Personally I see the battle of the Wilderness and Spotsilvania as Lee's greatest as he simply stood his ground and all his men fought for what 'they believed in'! While Grant- heedless of failed attempts and his own soldiers simply could always call-up for more men, supplies and money- yess these type of disproportionate battles of attrition will be the South's demise!
To be fair lee had his line broken three times resulting in to many men captures or killed of course lee did counter it but Grant was a modern general where modern american doctrine is based off of focusing on stradegic victories over tactical and extreme aggression which would be used with deadly effect in later wars like ww2 and Korea
Thanks for the blast from the past - fondly recall wearing out my VHS copies back in the day
fett333 I wore my vhs copies out to.
You can watch these Civil War battles on Amazon Prime now. Watch them 3-4 times now. Love it!
That's some of the best reenacting footage I've seen.
They did a great job on doing this
I'm very impressed with the discipline of the artillery reenacting. I have a relative resting at Spotsylvania. Such a waste of good men dying.
Look at the issues we are facing today. We are most likely headed towards a political Civil War.
We are destined to repeat history since we have not learned from our past
A political Civil War was inevitable ever since the signing of the Constitution. The founding fathers and the politicians that came after them have built a government By The Wealthy For The Wealthy not a government By The People For the People. The wealthy will not give up their power. So to make this a true government For The People a political Civil War will have to take place. I just hope I am still here to watch it.
Fantastically done!
Great accurate video. Thanks
No Rain.
I've always wished the American Battlefield Trust, or whoever oversees the Spostylvania battlefield, would renovate a section of the Mule Shoe trench line to make it close to what it would have looked like in May of '64. I think something similar was done at the Somme battlefield in Europe (not 100% sure about this). Just so visitors can get a sense of how impressive those earthworks were. All that's left of them now is basically a slight hump in the ground. I'm sure there are very valid reasons for not doing so, though.
I wasn’t expecting such a fire song at the end
Thanks for this.
Damn thats a LOT of reinactors. Thats huge compared to the ones ive been in.
Back in the 90s most of them were this big - great memories
I was there. 14 years old at the time. In the thick of it. It was the biggest and most intense I've ever been in.
Thank you 🙏.
I believe that battle flag is the same as I have now, in the opening scene.
My ancestor was in the 4th Maryland leading the first day attack in Robinsons division
Magnificent.
At 23:55 it's hard to imagine the hell of this close quarters style fighting
General: they couldn't hit an elephant
Sniper: I'm gunna end this mans whole career
Sniper: and I took that personally
Pity about the picture quality on this presentation - the bane of TH-cam. Nevertheless, this is probably the best re-enactment film I've seen, way more convincing and informative than most. Of course, in those days it was still legal to dress up as a Confederate & look like you meant it.
Wow, some of the most imposing CW reenactment footage I've ever watched! Amazing scope and direction. Too bad the video quality is somewhat lacking (compared to our modern standards, that is). At any rate, thanks for the upload. Greetz from Athens! (not GA, the original one ;-))
The old VHS video is nostalgic to say the least!
This was my 2nd reenactment, I'm visible a few times with the colors.
This was a huge event and estimates say 13,000 participated. I was on a hill at one point with Gen Lee and staff and saw the entire battlefield, it was breathtaking. In 25 years it's still the most impressive and largest reenactment in the US.
Later I fought in the mule shoe and was "captured" and never have I been in such massive encounter at an event.
Gives just a tiny glimpse of of scale of actual battles.
Greetings from Maryland CSA.
@@charlescalvert8647 Amazing, thanks for sharing the memories! I really hope that by the time I manage to visit the US of A (for a CW-related pilgrimage of sorts) battle reenactments won't be a thing of the past (with all the PC madness), for I'm really looking forward to attending a major one...
@@Freawulf Its a valid concern about reenactments you have but in the Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania area you should certainly be able to find reenactments and great battlefields to visit. The scale is certainly smaller now. A great reenactment unit to look up that's active in this region is 2nd Maryland Co D.
I'm actually a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans as well as a reenactor.
I had family at Gettysburg, at Culps Hill from Maryland. The impact of the war lingers and treatment of Southern citizens is a continued struggle.
We do our best to preserve our heritage but it's all under attack, not just Confederate history but all history as it relates to the USA. My grandfather's WW1 monument is under attack as well as ones from the American revolution.
We're not sure where it's all going but the fight is on!
I hope you can get here and enjoy the sites and experience a reenactment soon.
I was there. I can see many familiar faces. It is strange in that I remember the Laurel Hill scenario vividly but not some of the others.
What unit where you with?
I was 1st va cavalry and HQ. I remembered much more than I thought, I have the original VHS tape but no way to play it.
It was such an out of the way site and massive camps. Getting water was an ordeal! We also had a signal tower at the edge of camp to do cross line communication with the fed camps.
We went on foot for the mule shoe and got captured, we went behind the lines and on a hill overlooking the battlefield, it was an incredible site!
Tons and great artillery too!
We arrived Wednesday, with battles Thursday and Friday, in the hot woods.
Saturday and Sunday the numbers seemed to triple!
After Sunday's battle we went to Richmond to do the parade. Tired, filthy we marched along monument street.
Charles Calvert I was a captain then and led a company of Michigan men in the Cumberland Guard battalion of the Western Brigade which was associated with the National Regiment. I participated in most of the 125th events from Manassas to Saylers Creek/Appomattox. I missed 125 Antietam and went to Cedar Mountain instead. My favorite of the 125 events was Gettysburg in June 88. I bought most of the Classic Image tapes but not all.
Charles Calvert I was with the 21st Michigan
@@lowellwhite1603 That's great! We were on many of the same fields!
After the 125th series I gave up the horses, Capt of Md/Va infantry and then signal corps by the 150th.
Gettysburg always is special for me having ancestors that fought there, Spotsylvania Wilderness was just amazing. The 125th series was magical! Manassas, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania wilderness, New Market, Cedar Creek all fun! We just do living history at private events locally now.
Charles Calvert I injured my leg at 130 Gettysburg. After that I only attended local Michigan events. I never officially retired from reenacting but it has been several years since I attended an event.
criminal minds does an episode that revolves around spotsylvania battle, and uses a couple of the park locations
My GG Grandfather, Pvt Valentine Vogt, Company D 99th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, fell there on May 12th taking a bullet to his head. Apparent he was buried in a mass grace as there are no burial records found.
Great stuff. Isn't if fascinating how Upton's formations mirrored Napoleon's columns, when such a thing would have seemed to be outdated by half a century? Amazing. Also, you have to wonder how the war would have turned out if Lee hadn't squandered his manpower in repeated, inconclusive battles. I have to say, I reckon him a very poor commander, flamboyant, aggressive, and ultimately more dangerous to his cause than to his enemy.
R.I.P General Sedgewick.
My reading suggests that Spotsylvania was more trenches and earthworks but difficult to recreate those.
Many later battles or sieges had substantial entrenchments, trenches and earthworks.
At this event the mule shoe was recreated pretty well. It rained and was muddy, we slept in the trenches for the morning battle.
Using private lands the owners dont typically allow reenactors to do tear it up too much. Also need alot of volunteers weeks or months ahead of the event to do all the work to prepare for the event. Planning can take years for large events.
Some landowners love having reenactments and let us do whatever we want, this is rare.
When using original battlefields, like New Market or Cedar Creek theres no moving of anything, land or structures like fences.
@@charlescalvert8647 I visited the New Market Battlefield as a teenager. I still remember the wonderful gift shop there and my collection of Civil War figures I purchased.
@@TheHighwayhoss So cool you have a great memory of visiting an important battlefield!
Did you see the reenactment or visit to just see the site?
At age 15 New Market was my very first reenactment, I was just to the left of the VMI Cadets and charged the cannon. Its special battlefield and well preserved site.
I've done many, many reenactments there since that time and it's always amazing.
@@charlescalvert8647 Just saw the site; I was visiting with my parents as a child.
@@TheHighwayhoss That's great! I enjoyed visiting New Market and Gettysburg with my parents back in the early 80s.
I think New market visitors center and museum is more substantial now.
By all accounts the Southern Rebels were in general better sharp shooters than Their Northern counter parts having lived more off the land and less dependent on the easier way of life more prevalent north of the Mason Dixon Line. With the Exception of the The Adirondack Mountain Men of northern N.Y. The Green Mountain Boys of Vermont and The Men of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. And Many hardy Farm Boys in between. Had the south had the industrial might, supply lines that the North had to draw on, I believe Us Yankees would be eating a lot more collard greens & Grits today. One of My Ancestor's Joseph R. Hart was wounded at Antietam, captured and spent the rest of the the War At Andersonville prison camp Georgia, Where He Died of Starvation, miss treatment and complications from His wounds. His Body lies Interred there Somewhere.
How many horses were killed or injured during this?
Why are 70 year old men always given the role as Lee? Lee was in his 50s and wasn't a elderly man
“When 900 years old you reach, look as good you will not” Yoda 😉
I’m not a huge civil war buff, but it seems to me that the cavalry were always fucking off in one form or another.
I’m looking for an active North Carolina regiment, if anyone can help!
Good my serious opinion. of everything that happened in that war if it were not for abraham lincoln. the emancipation and liberation of the united states would not have happened
7:30 theres custer lol
1989 reenactment =AWESOME, ON BOTH SIDES.
2021=Not allowed to reenacte anymore because of the woke liberal snowflakes
I loved re-enacting on both coasts back in 90s and early 2000s - it’s very sad those days may be gone forever
Uh Oh, He said The loss of Sedrick, not Gen. J. Sedgwick! Hehe
It seems they are only playing a gun . If this gun will kill you why you need to stand and not cover yourselves. Is this the way the superpower american soldiers fight during those times. They are not using their heads at all that 's why there are many casualties. This is a foolish style of fighting or combating.