Bridgeport Re-enactment

[ryantownsend23]

what are some things I need to be expecting during the siege of bridgeport?

[Spinster]

A typical mainstream reenactment on a decent piece of land, with some period correct entertainment not normally seen at events--normally they have an 'anvil shoot'.

You can count on it being as cold as a wedge too.

[ryantownsend23]

wonderful I love the cold....not anything else?

[Joey12thga]

Only event I have been too where the directions were "Turn right at the trailer park".



Anyways, what Ms. Lawson said above. It is a typical 3bfestival enactment and they shoot anvils.

[Spinster]

Only event I have been too where the directions were "Turn right at the trailer park".



.

Joey,


Don't get out much in the Deep South, do you?

Trailer parks are integral to the directions for most events I go to :mrgreen:


Ryan,

This is a Beer, Battle, and Ball Event, with guaranteed cold weather, and anvils flying through the air. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I used to move my chair so I could get a better view of the blacksmiths working. I don't think those boys get out much anymore, and anyway, that view would not interest you........;)

[GaWildcat]

The last time I went to B-port, they were showing Sweet Home Alabama on a big screen .......never went back. The battle was ok, just a lot of really silly stuff going on besides that

[Spinster]

Bridgeport is a microcosm of every small town southern Beer Battle and Ball event, with all their various abberations, save one.....

Nothing can hold a candle to the disturbingly empty whole hogs of Gainsville, after they've been picked clean ......

Which reminds me, I better check my calendar on the off chance that I can get a DaddySitter. Nothing beats Gainsville's hogs and chocolate cake:p

[Blair]

Boy!
Considering my most resent bout with those shakers and bakers that consider themselves the "real" Arthritics in this hobby... I think I could use some home grown fun for everyone.
Where and when is going to be? It would be fun getting away from all the anal retentive types for a year or so, even if it only happened for a day or two... It would seem like years!

[Spinster]

Blair,

Its a long drive from the bottom of Florida to the top of Alabama......

http://siegeatbridgeport.com/

Pack your greatcoat.

[Hawkeye]

Make sure you pack your poncho as well, it gets real wet sometimes.

[Spinster]

Also mentioned in this thread--Gainsville, Alabama, Battle of Cuba Station March 11-13. http://cubastation.webs.com/

A much smaller event, it is on the calendar this year, even though the website has not been updated. This site holds two cemetaries with a number of known and unknown graves marked--trains stopped in this small river town, like they did in others, in the aftermath of Shiloh, putting off men anywhere they could be tended. Some never left.

Additionally, Bedford Forrest released his troops from this place. A monument in the woods marks the location from which this letter was written. This speech is declaimed each year by one of the men present. Note the date is well past Appomatox, as was General Taylor's surrender of Department of Alabama troops in Kushla, Alabama at the end of April, 1865.


HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY CORPS,
Gainesville, ALa., May 9, 1865

Soldiers:

By an agreement made between Lieutenant-General Taylor, commanding the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana, and Major-General Canby, commanding United States forces, the troops of this department have been surrendered. I do not think it proper or necessary at this time to refer to the causes which have reduced us to this extremity, nor is it now a matter of material consequence as to how such results were brought about. That we are beaten is a self-evident fact, and any other further resistance on our part would be justly regarded as the very height of folly and rashness. The armies of Generals Lee and Johnston have surrendered; you are the last of all troops of the Confederate States Army east of the Mississippi River to lay down your arms. The cause for which you have so long and manfully struggled, and for which you have braved dangers, endured privations and sufferings, and made so many sacrifices, is today hopeless. The government which we sought to establish and perpetuate is at an end. Reason dictates and humanity demands that no more blood be shed. Fully realizing and feeling that such is the case, it is your duty and mine to lay down our arms, to submit to the 'powers that be,' and to aid in restoring peace and establishing law and order throughout the land.
The terms upon which we were surrendered are favorable, and should be satisfactory and acceptable to all. They Manifest a spirit of magnanimity and liberality on the part of the Federal authorities which should be met on our part by a faithful compliance with all the stipulations and conditions therein expressed. As your commander, I sincerely hope that every officer and soldier of my command will cheerfully obey the orders given, and carry out in good faith all the terms of the cartel.

Those who neglect the terms and refuse to be paroled may assuredly expect when arrested to be sent North and imprisoned. Let those who are absent from their commands, from whatever cause, report at once to this place, or to Jackson, Miss., or, if too remote from either, to the nearest United States post or garrison, for parole. Civil war, such as you have just passed through, naturally engenders feelings of animosity, hatred and revenge. It is our duty to divest ourselves of all bitter feelings, and, so far as it is in our power to do so, to cultivate friendly sentiments toward those with whom we have so long contested and heretofore so widely but honestly differed. Neighborhood feuds, personal animosities and private differences should be blotted out and when you return home a manly, straightforward course of conduct will secure the respect even of your enemies. Whatever your responsibilities may be to government, to society, or to individuals, meet them like men. The attempt made to establish a separate and independent confederation has failed, but the consciousness of having done your duty faithfully and to the end will in some measure repay you for the hardships you have undergone.

In bidding you farewell, rest assured that you carry with you my best wishes for your future welfare and happiness. Without in any way referring to the merits of the cause in which we have been engaged, your courage and determination, as exhibited on many hard fought fields, has elicited the respect and admiration of friend and foe. And I now cheerfully and gratefully acknowledge my indebtedness to the officers and men of my command, whose zeal, fidelity and unflinching bravery have been the great source of my past success in arms. I have never on the field of battle sent you where I was unwilling to go myself, nor would I now advise you to a course which I felt myself unwilling to pursue. You have been good Soldiers; you can be good citizens. Obey the laws, preserve your honor, and the government to which you have surrendered can afford to be and will be magnanimous.

N.B. FORREST, Lieutenant-General.
Headquarters, Forrest's Cavalry Corps
Gainesville, Alabama
May 9, 1865

[Blair]

Mrs. L.,

The "bottom" of Florida?
Now I find that funny;-)
But then I was in need of a good laugh.
Thank you,

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

And I always thought the "bottom" of Florida was Tallahassee. At least its where the posterior of the state is....

[Blair]

Ross,

No, that is where the naval is.

I am sorry, everything North of the of the Conch Republic, North to Miami is the "Bottom" of Florida.
Florida is is the only State where one has to go North to get to the South.
Thanks,

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Well heck Blair, thats anywhere south of High Springs/Alachua. Florida is the only state I know you have to go north to get to the south.

[reddcorp]

Make sure you pack your poncho as well, it gets real wet sometimes.

We went up there a couple of years ago. It wasn't the cold nor the wet that did us in.
It was the abundance of ticks in the wooded area where we camped. Still have the scars.
But the fireworks display was extraordinary.

A. Redd

[PetePaolillo]

Joey,


Don't get out much in the Deep South, do you?

Trailer parks are integral to the directions for most events I go to :mrgreen:




Ma'am You must not know Joey that well..:) He puts the trash in trailer park and that is a compliment! LOve ya Joey!:D;)

[bheard]

Bridgeport is a great event. The only time I missed in the last 10yr I was in the hospital. Come on down, or up,or what ever.
Bill Heard
Schoolfield's Battery

[Spinster]

Mrs. L.,

The "bottom" of Florida?
Now I find that funny;-)
But then I was in need of a good laugh.
Thank you,

Now Blair, I know you are not really down at Key West--but still, it IS a long way up to the Alabama/Tennessee Line.

If you go, allow extra time to see the towns of Bridgeport, Alabama and South Pittsburgh, Tennessee in the daylight. These became boom towns post Civil War, as northern merchants moved down from, you guessed it, Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania and its suburb of Bridgeport, in order to expand the steel making business into the South.

The architecture reflects this late Victorian northern influence, lots of brick construction and steep roofs to shed a snow load that rarely happens here. Well worth the time to drive the streets for a look around.

And worth your time to inquire with the organizers about setting up as a gunsmith. Folks tend to come in a little earlier for this weekend event, as some school holidays hit at this time. Camps are close to vendors.

[eagleeyes]

I agree. I think it is a great "local" event where all the reenactors and spectators seem to have a great time. Be prepared for wet weather, but pray for sunny skies. Un-Reconstructed will be playing music all weekend long. Also, Wendell Decker has said he will be there doing period photographs if it is not raining.

Everyone come. This is a great event for spectators also. For photos from past events check out; http://www.eagle53photos.com/CP%20CWR.htm

Jeremy Thompson
Photographer
Cleburne's Division