Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment
Part One- Camp Life
Who knew that one could literally walk in history? Every summer in early July, the Annual Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment is held on the grounds of the battle. This event showcases campground life and battles during the civil war. Reenactors from throughout the country travel to Gettysburg to participate in this event.
When one thinks about when the Battle of Gettyburg occurred, the timing was in the dead of summer during the first week of July. Through oppressive heat and unforgiving sun, soldiers both Union and Confederate put their lives on the line for what they believed in. Wearing full uniforms made of heavy wool, it is no wonder they didn’t drop like flies due to heat exhaustion.
Going as a guest, one needs to be mindful of these conditions. We have the benefit of wearing lighter clothing and bringing along picnic baskets fill with beverages and snacks. Arriving early and with appropriate sun coverage one can secure prime seating for viewing the battles.
While waiting for battle time, walking through the camps and speaking with reenactors is truly inspiring. Mostly volunteers, these people are warm and friendly. When speaking with them you feel as if you had taken a time machine back to 1863. These men and women have such passion for the Civil War and have spent years educating themselves, and purchasing equipment to become reenactors. Key figures, such as Robert E. Lee, Lt. General Longstreet and many others are easily accessible and are easy to speak with. Well versed with the history of the Battle of Gettysburg, they speak in the first person bringing history to life.
General Robert E. Lee
Camp life during the civil war was quite rustic. Having to cook and clean along the campfire proved to be hot and arduous work.
Cooking Scotch Eggs for Breakfast
Life was simple then with children’s toys made of wood and fabric.
One is quickly reminded though that this is a campground to support battle. Throughout the camps, tents of officers and weaponry are seen.
Of course, the medical station is ready for injury on the battlefield.
Medicine Bottles
Visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to attend the Annual Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment is truly an experience not to miss.
But come with the appropriate expectations. First, it will be hot and humid. You will experience the summer heat as the civil war soldiers did. Second, life during the Civil War was simple. This is not Disney World, or Universal Studios. These civil war reenactments are authentic and nothing is sensationalized. Appreciate the simplicity of life then, and recognize that if wasn’t for volunteers that cared enough to keep our history alive, these events wouldn’t be available.
Tickets are available now for the 2012 Reenactment here: http://www.gettysburgreenactment.com/
Next year will be the 150th year anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, so plan ahead!
For more information on Civil War Reenactments: http://www.civilwartraveler.com/events/
Categories: Foot Prints
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
What a cool and fun historical event. I’d like to attend one at some point.
It really was so inspiring…cool…not so much ! It was screeching HOT !!
Do they do them in the fall?
Alas, the reenactments occur within the week of the actual battle. You can refer to this website that has reenactments broken down by state and by month to learn more.
http://www.civilwartraveler.com/events/
Oh that’s so cool – thanks!
What a Great History Experience – thanks for sharing!
Thanks Renee!
Very good pictures. It is like beeing there..
🙂
Really great shots 🙂 I so love reenactments.
Reblogged this on Skipping Stars Productions LLC.
I’ve never been to one of the reenactments, but I loved going to Gettysburg as a kid. Funny how often your posts take me back to my childhood!
Thank you so much ! This was the first one I had ever been to and thought it was an incredible experience. I’m hoping I’ll make it back there again next month. BTW, I’m heading to Gainesville on the 20th ! Might have an afternoon for a photo expedition..interested? I wouldn’t mind seeing the butterflies again.
Definitely interested!
Send me an email at bella20remy@aol.com and we can chat.
This is a great post! We went to Gettysburg a few years ago. It wasn’t during the encampment, but the history there is so thick you can cut it with a knife. A very moving place!
Thank you so much ! What you said is so true ! Being near there the battlefields is awe inspiring. This year they’re going to reenact Devil’s Den. That will be so moving that just thinking about it I’m getting chills.
I’m not american, but must be content with having american friends 😉
– I was in a number of years business manager in an American worldwide group at their Nordic part – the U.S. has always interested me – especially for 2 things – the history of american Indians and the American War of Independence – your shots just great (‘haha’ not military shots) and your word too – very very interesting indeed… 😉
Thank you so much Drake ! The Civil War is of big interest around here, and every where you go there are historical markers indicating its significance during the war. It’s wonderful finding friends throughout the world. Perhaps I’ll work out a world-wide tour to visit them Denmark is the 1st stop!
Have a great afternoon. 🙂
#.bella remy – 08062012
I understand perfectly that there’s great respect for that kind of memorials – history is a part of future – a big part of my childhood where I lived in an area in the borderland between Germany and Denmark – which also was filled with memories of the history of that area – it makes respect for each other much larger – not to be stuck in the past at all
but know it – that’s a good foundation… 😉
I think you would like Denmark, as it is in real life… 😉
The history that you have goes for deeper and for much longer in years than any history we may have in America. We think our history is old, but it’s nothing compared to what there is in Europe. It’s important that history is kept alive and it’s encouraging to know that there are those who enjoy being living historians.
I would love Denmark ! It is now on my “to-visit” list.
#.bella remy – 10062012
Just have to take one more look at these great photos… ‘big smile’
Yes, counties like Denmark have a longer history as nation than US – but even the beginings of something have a history – and US have so many single stories from “before the begining” connected into the start of the new nation – each have there own story brought with – in my eyes -amazing, with all that roots also from aboard… 😉
This is so sweet Drake ! I think perhaps, that since the U.S. history is so recent, it is better documented. Thus, the stories are easier to achieve. For instance, my husband owns at least 50 books on just the Battle at Gettysburg! But America wouldn’t have existed if there weren’t the explorers and adventurers that took the sea challenge and came across to start a new life in great hardship.
Have a wonderful day!
I was an attendee at the Gettysburg reinactment today.. It was truly a memorable experience.. The Union Generals were so authentically represented that I felt as though I stepped back in time..
The only downside was the excruciating heat.. I wonder how many people were carried away as the result!
That’s absolutely amazing that you participated in the event today. The heat is just unbearable isn’t it? It really makes you wonder just how they managed to survive the heat over 100 years ago.
I’m so happy that you had such a fantastic experience and hydrate well!