Wilson's Creek 150th Aug 12-14, 2011

[RJSamp]

Here's the site: http://www.wilsonscreek150.com/Home.aspx

Will be a good one, hopefully less rain than way back in 2000.

Based on how well Twin Rivers turned out, this should be a great weekend of reenacting!

[wavey1us]

RJ,
It would be neat to see a company of Federal cavalry done right for this event. Proper uniforms, proper equipment, and proper commands. The icing on the cake would be to come out campaign style.

Bill

[michael.shafto]

Hello!

I have been talking to several groups around Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin to see if there would be any interest in forming a company for this event. Company C, 2nd Dragoons was at Wilson's Creek, and I think it would be an interesting portrayal, as the unit had yet to be reflagged as Cavalry and was still wearing the Dragoon orange trim. Would there be any interest here? You can contact me at michel.shafto@hotmail.com or on this forum. Thanks in advance!

[wavey1us]

Company D and Company I of the 1st US Cavalry were also at Wilsons Creek,

[Yellowhammer Rebel]

It would be neat to see a battery of artillery done right for this event. Proper uniforms, proper equipment, and proper commands. The icing on the cake would be to come out campaign style.

Maybe it would be to much to hope for. No copious amounts of red trim, red hat cords, red trim on everybody's trowsers, red gloves, red braces, etc. We can still dream though!!

[wavey1us]

You know,
I was thinking the same thing about the cavalry. Few yellow hat cords (only on fully rigged Hardee hats, no stampede strings, proper horse gear, etc.

[Kace]

RJ:

Any ideas on how many days of tacticals we get to play with for this one?

Kace

7th/30th Missouri Volunteers
The Missouri Irish Brigade

www.moirishbrigade.org

[Spinster]

Kace,

Logistics and arrangements are still being worked out on the unscripted battles.

An announcement will come when the schedule is firm.


Meantime, pay no attention to the dates on the website. Fellers who want something more should plan to be on the property by mid afternoon, Wednesday , August 10.

[Kace]

Glad to hear it. While it was tough for some of my lads to get the extra time off for Twin Rivers, they all loved the first two days! We are looking forward to supporting the 1st FD again at Wilson's Creek.

Kace

7th/30th Missouri Volunteers
Missouri Irish Brigade

[Scooby_308]

Glad to hear it. While it was tough for some of my lads to get the extra time off for Twin Rivers, they all loved the first two days! We are looking forward to supporting the 1st FD again at Wilson's Creek.

Kace

7th/30th Missouri Volunteers
Missouri Irish Brigade

I think that was the consensus of pretty much all that attended. The tacticals were definitely the highlight for me and nearly 99% of the folks I have talked to about TR. We had some folks come in on Friday and they commented it was just another event, nothing spectacular or worth doing again. Those of us that had boots on the ground from Wednesday on for the tacticals were quick to point out what they missed. Most have agreed to return on our word that the tacticals are worth it (and they will be there for the tacticals this time).
The thing to remember is that it will be an oven that time of year and I would recommend that the event organizers have a system in place for water during the tacticals. Buffalos disguised as spring houses or even wagon drawn water systems need to be in place. I saw folks at TR who were not used to the physical aspect of moving and fighting and they drained their canteens early and were affected by the heat of Mississippi in November (I don’t think it got above 78 with plenty of sun). There was water wagon drawn in, but I would recommend more frequent resupplies. Imagine folks unprepared in Missouri August heat!
To the Blue/Grey Alliance leadership(s): TR was a learning experience. Take what you learned and improve. TR laid the foundation for a solid model of 150ths; keep adjusting/tweaking and it will be an even better event.

[RJSamp]

RJ:

Any ideas on how many days of tacticals we get to play with for this one?

Kace

7th/30th Missouri Volunteers
The Missouri Irish Brigade

www.moirishbrigade.org

Kace: What Terre said.... I'm planning on being onsite on Wednesday afternoon or early Thursday AM. there's really only about 3 scenarios you can do: Sigel's assault, Regular's through the Corn Field, and Sic Semper Lyons on Bloody Hill. that leaves time for tacticals....

also, I know we are trying to get some kind of march\advance to contact scenario (you know, like what actually occurred)....my own preference would be to start near Springfield at say Midnight and march to the battlefield by dawn. Figure 2 miles an hour kind of thing, rest 10 minutes every 50 minutes, water, sag wagons, water for horses, etc. hour leeway at the battle area for 's happens\SNAFU'. the key to this is NIGHT = Cooler marching temperatures (did I mention that's what they did so it would be, errr, Kewl-er as well...).

And we've taken a lot of lessons from TR and will improve.... (Brigade drill anyone?).

I'd like to see a MANDATORY 2 canteens on every soldier rule ENFORCED for this event. Would be eating my own dog food, that's what I've been preaching for ALL national events since problems encountered\lessons learned in the G135 battles (the cav battles started on Tuesday, well before the infantry got on site). And we all recall the problems with Federal water shortages at Raymond 2001.... (love that Dr. Pepper flavored stuff at Camp Foster....)

[PaperPusher]

There are some things in the works for this event that I believe alot of folks will be extremely excited about. Putting all the pieces together firmly before making the announcements so that there's no back tracking. Will post more soon for all to see. I know I'm excited about it. Getting my saddle organized to haul everything I need with me (which won't be much) because that's all I'll be allowed to haul for this part of the week out there!!!!!! got the hair standing up on the back of your necks yet???? mine is

[wavey1us]

From a horse soldier perspective access to water for the equine stock should be a priority. I can regulate my water intake (depending on weather conditions), horses cannot. August in Missouri will be a little hot and humid, and water will be important.
Also, anyone that will be portraying a trooper should have their horses in shape prior to event stepping foot onto the site. Preparation should start months out to prepare for the event. Conditioning exercise, for both horse and rider, should be stressed. RJ, remember the first Morgan’s Raid and that long detour we took on the first day? How many miles did that add to the trip? How many horses were broken that night? If you want to be a horse soldier, then you need to walk the walk and take care of your mount first. Also, cavalry commanders should understand the limitations of horses (many out of shape horses) in hot and humid weather. All the cavalry charges, blowing and going, dance of the saber fairies, pistol charges, etc is not only a waste of horse flesh, but also not authentic. The standard gait for cavalry troops was the walk or the trot NOT GALLOP. Save the horse flesh until it is needed.

[RJSamp]

RJ, remember the first Morgan’s Raid and that long detour we took on the first day? How many miles did that add to the trip? How many horses were broken that night?


That extra 5 miles (only one more hill) broke us all....and the scouts were really tuckered out. I recall the blacksmith's replacing dozens (if not hundreds) of horse shoes the first two days.....and yep, the horses were mostly spent. The 2nd Morgan's raid (on the tarmac most of the way) was the real killer....saw many horses just plain quit.

The good news is that it was authentic....ableit no horses were killed off.....totally concur that equine health and safety must be paramount in any non combat environment.... as Grandpa said: feed your horse, then yourself. It's just not fair to the stock to 'spike' their exercise rates in a hot humid MO environment. When I first moved to KCMO (NKC to be exact) in May 1980 we went through a period of 100 degrees plus days in June-ish where they had nearly 200 people DIE from the heat in less than a week.

We should all rewatch "The Light Horsemen". Not only the finest filmed cavalry charges and one of the greatest cavalry movies of all times.....the scene of the star punching a 'basin' in his hat top and sharing the last of his canteen with his equine friend is a real tear jerker.

BTW, I learned the hard way and first hand at Wilson's Leak 2000 that there is plenty of water in the MO creek's.....specifically at 5AM on Sunday riding out to the "Great Raid".

[RJSamp]

2011 August 10-14, Wilson's Creek National Campaign Event: SW Missouri (near Springfield MO)

http://www.cleburnes-division.com/WCreek.aspx Cleburne's Division Wilson's Creek

http://www.wilsonscreek150.com/Home.aspx Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation (REGISTRATION)

http://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

This will include a civilian impression to be headed by Ms. Terri Lawson as well. They will follow the armies to and from. We have a full team of historian working on every aspect of the entire event, including the non scripted and civilian participation. It is our earnest desire to make every possible attempt to accurately portray this entire event. Please note that every person attending (military) (all branches) WILL be required to participate in Brigade DRILL (By the Bugle!) before being allowed on any field during the Saturday / Sunday scripted battles…

We have the opportunity to participate in a program that will be administered by the http://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm National Park Service, Wilson’s Creek Battlefield on the anniversary date of the Wilson’s Creek battle. The superintendant of the park has granted permission for those persons wishing to arrive early in the week to take part in ceremonies that will occur within the Wilson’s Creek Battlefield proper. I will provide below the framework for this portion of the event weekend. Participation is completely voluntary and will be limited to five hundred participants.

1. THE MARCH The Confederate and Federal army members present on the event site on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, and interested in participating will muster at 3 p.m. in each of the commands respective camps. At 4 p.m. sharp both armies will proceed to march in column into the Wilson’s Creek National Park Service property. Each column will be comprised of Infantry, Mounted Cavalry, Mounted Artillery and Supply Wagons. The columns will proceed on a designated path to the vicinity of the Ray House where it will bivouac for the night. On Thursday morning the column will form and proceed back to the 150th Anniversary Battle of Wilson’s Creek event site.

2. LOGISTICS We will present a column of Confederate and Federal forces on the move, therefore the following will be in effect. Each man will carry upon him a knapsack or blanket roll. Tentage for the Bivouac will not be allowed. Each man will be required to have on his person the necessary items to spend a night in the field and will camp utilizing gum blankets and bed rolls only. No tentage of any kind will be utilized including dog tents. We will sleep on the ground with what we carry with us. It is possible that cook fires will be permitted on property but they will be closely managed and will be at a minimum company fires. The Wagons which will accompany the columns will carry the necessary supplies to sustain the army on the march, mainly water. No personal equipage will be hauled by any of the wagons.

3. RATIONS -Plans are being made to include a ration issue for each man who participates in the march and subsequent activities at the Ray House. Issuance of prepared rations will eliminate the need for numerous cook fires on the property.

4. EXPECTATIONS – All participants should understand fully that your participation will be at a full campaign level. You carry what you need, leave behind what you don’t. You will be marching at a normal pace and it will be hot. Prepare yourselves accordingly. There will be no light provisions made. This will be a test of your ability to function in the field without the creature comforts of a normal static camp.

5. AT THE RAY HOUSE - Once the respective armies arrive at the Ray House the command will be given to make camp for the night. We will participate in a program that the National Park Service will administer for the general public at that location. As such, our armies will be a living history presentation in first person. We will make our best attempt to accurately present a strong first person impression for the general public. The park service has plans to hold an illumination ceremony to honor those who fell at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek in which we will also participate heavily.

More information will follow soon in detailed form. Any Company or Battalion interested in committing themselves to this part of the event would need to RSVP the respective command staff as soon as possible. It may be necessary to brigade together, only for the purpose of the march, those units who participate in order to present a more accurate portrayal for this vignette. Cavalry participants will need to ensure that they carry sufficient forage and all of the accoutrements normally related with the care of their animal while in the field. There will be NO WATER TROUGH at the Ray House. Use of the collapsible period water bag will be mandatory for watering your animal.

This part of the event weekend may not be for everyone and thus the participation is voluntary. Participants who would like to take part in this part of the event as well as moving non scripted fighting on Thursday and Friday, much like Twin Rivers, are highly encouraged to come early. Those who wish to attend solely for the Saturday and Sunday scripted battles are encouraged to be on site by Friday morning at the latest. Your participation in the weekend scripted battles is in no way contingent on the early week events.

Colonel Terry Crowder, Commanding
First Federal Division

[Spinster]

Just one last bump as most folks made their decision on this event a good while back.

Wilson's Creek Registration is here: http://www.wilsonscreek150.com/Home.aspx

Late Registration ends July 15. There are NO WALK ONS for this event.

Activities begin on Wednesday August 10 with various battlefield tours available in the Park, and a march to the Park from the event site during the late afternoon for a commemoration event. Following an overnight in the Park, military units will march back to the event site. Thursday and Friday will see a number of unscripted engagements, with public specatator events held on Saturday-Sunday.

In keeping with Blue Gray Alliance policy, there are well separated military camps, with areas designated for "soldiers only" organizations to camp, and separate areas for "military/family camps".

In addition, there is the separate civilian-only camping area, portraying the Town of Little York. Civilians are welcome to camp in that area, with the understanding that any non-period items are to be kept inside the tent at all times, and that period dress is required at all times. Fires are shared in this Town, and are limited to marked areas. The Mayor of Little York, portrayed by Robert Orrand, will also be available to answer questions here, and maintains a separate email list for interested civilians.

On behalf of the Blue Gray Alliance, we look forward to seeing you there

[Isabella_Grey]

Where is Robert Orrand from?
I have never heard of him and was wondering if he is local?

[Julio C. Zangroniz]

Isabella,
Had you read the Page One article in the June issue of the Civil War News, you would have seen Robert's photograph and learned that he is from Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Heck of a nice guy, too.
Julio

[Julio C. Zangroniz]

By the way, Isabella, I heard from my friend the Field Artist.
He says that he uses "newsprint because you can buy it big or small." And if you want a "more finished" look, get "calligraphy paper." Both should be available at your local art supplies store.
Good luck!
I shall look for you and your pad at Wilson's Creek, God willing...
Julio

[Spinster]

Mr Orrand lives in Western Tennessee.

As the Blue Gray Alliance formed and worked on it's five year plan of major 150th commemorations, I was named the civilian 'governor' for the organization. As we planned for the first event put on by the total organization, we looked to the concept of a civilian 'Town' to provide a framework for civilians wishing to be a part of these reenactments.

With any Town of the period there would be some sort of elected authority, often the first person a military authority would go to when coming into an area, to requisition goods, billet troops, and such.

In seeking to accurately depict the period, given our modern limitations, my first determination was that I could not portray an elected official of the period. I needed a man in that role--one a bit past military age, but with military experience.

Mr Orrand's reenacting background fit both those requirements, and I knew him to be research oriented and well organized. I asked him to serve as Mayor for these events, and he graciously accepted.

[Spinster]

Mr Orrand lives in Western Tennessee.

As the Blue Gray Alliance formed and worked on it's five year plan of major 150th commemorations, I was named the civilian 'governor' for the organization. As we planned for the first event put on by the total organization, we looked to the concept of a civilian 'Town' to provide a framework for civilians wishing to be a part of these reenactments.

With any Town of the period there would be some sort of elected authority, often the first person a military authority would go to when coming into an area, to requisition goods, billet troops, and such.

In seeking to accurately depict the period, given our modern limitations, my first determination was that I could not portray an elected official of the period. I needed a man in that role--one a bit past military age, but with military experience.

Mr Orrand's reenacting background fit both those requirements, and I knew him to be research oriented and well organized. I asked him to serve as Mayor for these events, and he graciously accepted.

[desotobob]

Ms. Grey - Feel free to PM anytime and I will elaborate on my past. I was at Westville 2010 and have strived to attend quality events each year. I was at To Prevent the Effusion of Blood, the 150th Ft. Moultrie, i will be in Co. C, 2nd MS at Manassas and will be helping Bee's Brigade surgical team at the Pringle House. And so many more events I cannot list here.
As we approach Wilson's Creek, the BGA Shiloh and beyond, it appears our Civilian Adjunct is gaining steam. We have had several like-minded Civilians to join us at Purdy TN (Shiloh) and I met an engaging fiance of a Campaigner Adjunct member at the Forrest birthday celebration today who will be joining us at WC and Shiloh. We are trying to give a place for those wish to portray a Civilian only impression as we progress thorugh the 150th cycle. Please join us - our community is growing.

[DDSolidDimensions]

Spinster, or any moderator, will there be any vendors like at Manassas? Appreciate it.

[Spinster]

Yes, there is a substantial slate of vendors for Wilson's Creek.

Registration for sutlers closed in May.

[DDSolidDimensions]

Thank you! Has the registration closed for modern vendors yet? Didn't see it on the site.

[RJSamp]

Just got off the phone with Terry Crowder. He stated that anyone interested in "walking on" as a unit can get in touch with him. There are still ZERO walk-ons, although a limited 'post-registration non-walkon walkon list" will be allowed to enter the event. i.e if you have the secret decoding ring and know the special door knock Terry can get your group in. Am sure some confederates could be accomodated through the CSA chain of command (not through Terry). There are 2,750 registered for the event. Terry is headed to Wilson's Creek in a few days (he just got back from Manassas) to check up on the bridge construction project....

Posted with Terry Crowder's permission:

[csasoldier_61]

All,

As I was getting ready for the event I realized that I was going to need some more rounds and thought about getting the mill up and running. If you are in need of rounds or tubes just let me know.

Thanks,
Adam "OX" Johnson
Texas Ground Hornets

[PaperPusher]

I want to let everyone know that the Wilson's Creek Battlefield Foundation is willing to process walk ons for this event. The fee for a walk on will be $25 and all walk ons will be processed at registration on site. We have had an overwhelming number of last minute and late comers who are interested in attending. We are currently at 2800 registered and have room for more. I would suggest anyone willing to galvanize to register as Federal. We have historically accurate force ratios at this point but we can always augment the Federal numbers.

[PaperPusher]

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION TO ALL COMMANDS

Please note that traffic into the site will be interrupted around 10 a.m and 5 p.m. on Friday due to battles taking place. It is highly possible to interrupt traffic on Thursday as well for unscripted battles on Thursday. Please bear with us and any delays will be as minimal as possible.

The address for registration/ on site check in is as follows. Signage will be in place to direct you to camps from that point. Registration will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday thru Friday and will be open 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday. Walk on registrations will be taken at the rate of $25 per person. Please have any receipts that you have been issued by paypal or otherwise on hand to aid in registration if needed.

Registration address: You must use google maps to find this address. It is a new address and mapquest does not recognize it.

Republic High School
4370 Repmo Drive
Republic, MO

Registration hours of operation:
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday, August 11, 2011 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, August 12, 2011 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, August 13, 2011 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Any persons arriving on site when registration is not open will be required to wait for registration to reopen before entering event site. Please make arrangements in your schedule as necessary to arrive during normal business hours.

Attached is a list of sutlers who will be at Wilson's Creek. Please note that Village Tinsmith will not be present. Distribute as needed.



Sutlers

James Country Mercantile
Fall Creek Suttlery
Border States Leather
Carrico Leather
Southern Family Impressions
The Lady in Black
Barancas Mercantile
Kentwood Suttlery
Ortega Traders
Village Tinsmith
Ladies and Gentlemen's Emporium
Civil War Lady
Coon River Mercantile
Dixie Gun Works
The Lantern Man
The Paper Lady
Peter Christopher
Rum Creek Sutler
Adlers Drygoods
P. Palmer Dry Goods
Ladies Parlor
96 Storehouse
Snow Creek Boots
Sutler of Fort Scott
Allens Laurel Hill Sutlery
Hansens Mercantile
Cool Creek Forge


Period Food Vendors
Jim Phillips Rootbeer

Period Photographers
Vintage Image Studios
Robert Szabo, Photographer
Shadows of Imortality

Miscellaneous
B & T Confederate Postal Agents

[desotobob]

Also please note for those who plan on doing the Period Civilian Town of Little York ---a few hard and fast rules.

1. No military AT ALL. You must be in Civilian clothing, or be subject to arrest and turned over to the Provost. Visitors should be in the uniform of the appropriate military occupiers.
2. No cars into the Town of Little York after Noon on Friday. If you arrive after that, you will need to walk your gear in.
3. No modern items including clothing outside of tents. You must remain in period clothing at all times when out of the tent.

Thanks for understanding.

[RJSamp]

11PM cutoff for registration.....OK I'll have to drive a bit faster.....