Twin Rivers: Nov 11-14,2010 Site Update

[Spinster]

Moderator Note: Posted on behalf of Terry Crowder, Commander of the First Federal Divsion

August 18, 2010

Gentlemen and Ladies

Twin Rivers Campaign Site and Planning Visit

First Federal Division Col. Terry Crowder Commanding-Cleburne’s Division Gen. Joe Way Commanding

Blue Gray Alliance

This site visit was made by over 50 people who arrived with trucks, tractors, mowers, and numerous other equipment to prepare this for the finest combined reenactment ever.

This was the third visit and never has there been as in depth planning as you are about to see, feel, hear and smell.

While it may be considered a “Mainstream Event”, it will surely accommodate the hardest of hard core campaigners with a new level of true “living and fighting history. This has been promised to be and event for “EVERYONE” and every effort has been made to do so. In the following paragraphs, we will try to answer as many of your questions as possible.

The Land

Well over 1500 acres, this site offers every aspect of a true living history experience. It is large enough we have not included all of it for fear of losing someone in the fights. The lay of the land is nearly perfect with slight rolling hills which provide cover and separation from any modern intrusion. For those who chose to camp static, campaign, mixed military, and yes, even modern camps are available at a second location nearby.

The land has a large number of open and cleared (will be mowed in mid Oct so it will NOT look fresh) hay fields with each field separated and surrounded by woods and creeks of various depths and levels. Each has been scouted and is completely passable and can be maneuvered with very slight difficulty. All trails and roads are dirt and have no modern obstacles to cross. There is a couple fences but are deep in the wooded sections and can be removed if you should happen upon them. As you can see from the included map, you will be capable of marching and fighting for many days without interruption other than an enemy patrol or, ambush.

All camps are situated in sections that will accommodate your men’s wishes, If they wish to camp in company streets or in the woods. Should you have split wishes, they will be adjacent to each other for ease of maneuvers. Campaigners will have “sinks” already placed for them and port a lets will be placed in strategic locations that are out of site of the camps. Mixed camps will have plenty of port a lets as well. The Thursday / Friday / and early Saturday fighting will be held throughout the entire surrounding land far enough away from the mainstream section of the site.
The mainstream part of the event will be for the scripted battles on Saturday and Sunday. This land is a large “amphitheatre” looking section. Perfect for what it will be used for. It is centered in the site and everything will be close enough for all to see as well as some very exciting scenarios. It is located a few miles EAST of Collierville Tenn on Hwy 72 and access is right on the highway so it will be clearly marked and very easy to gain entry. A hard gravel road will take you directly to registration and access roads are clear and easy for one way access to unload and move. Parking is within yards and on site and shuttles will be provided to drop you off after you park.

Amenities:

Very through and careful planning has been done. Contracts have been signed and all wood, hay, straw (bedding material) is already set for distribution. We have also arranged for backup supplies should we exceed our expectations so no one will be left out. Water is plentiful with actually two backup plans as well. There are numerous lakes throughout the site and all have been inspected for access to water horses at each. This was a working cattle farm a few years back so supply is great. Drinking water will be located at all strategic point locations with a operating plan of re-supply available 24 hours a day. We have not one but two Medical plans for any and all emergencies with local fire, EMS, evac and on field medical personal that will be carrying the most up to date radio equipment for safety of every person attending.

Fighting and Battles:

Welcome to the new and better reenacting world

It is our sincere hope that you will arrive on site by Wednesday evening and be ready to begin on Thursday NOON. After two years of planning, studying, and a couple surveys, we have developed a new format for the upcoming 150th National Events being sponsored by the Blue Gray Alliance. They are all planned with this format and will offer the same for EVERY person reenacting no matter what their style is. No more will be jammed into small tight pitiful fields. No more sitting in camp till it is your turn to stand in line and fire across a 100 yard field at each other and then go back and sit in camp. The day of the SOLDIER has arrived.

This will begin with each unit/company/battalion/brigade receiving written orders to move and be prepared for engagements at any time. Our town of Dover which will be set and handled by none other than our own Mrs Terre Lawson will be the opening engagements with the Federals conscripting wagons and food supplies from them, followed by visits from the CS as well as Col. Nick Medich’s Home Guard. Your civilians are welcome to be a part of the many planned activities and engagements that will take place at the town. Please have them contact Mrs. Lawson for details and instruction as to their participation.

Outpost and pickets will no longer sit in place and never see actions. All cavalry will be placed with each movement and will serve as cavalry served. Artillery will be at the ready at all times and each camp will need to be prepared to repulse attack at any given time. For this event, we will be portraying the movements and actions of the armies during the three days prior to the capture of Fort Donelson. It will be constant, aggressive, passive and exciting. All cavalry will portray Gen. Forrest attack on the Union flank for the scripted battle on Saturday. They will also create a number of conflicts between the CS and US Cavalry as well. The scripted battle will be the actual attack on the fort and will cover in detail the two days of fighting before the surrender which will also be recreated in the town of Dover to end the event. The trenches and fort construction will begin in October so it will not appear to new for the November date.

Basic site map Below

Notes of Interest:

The average mean temperature for this area for the week of November 8 through the 15 is a high of 78 and a low of 53 with little to no rain. We have arranged for several large pieces of equipment as an emergency plan should the unforeseen occur so no one will have undue difficulties at or after this event.

As of this writing, the Blue Gray Alliance is already in the planning and has working agreements with and for the following events to follow this format and provide every re enactor with the finest possible experience at each one. Two Armies, working together as one organization, by the reenactors and for the reenactors.

Wilson’s Creek August 10- 14 2011
Shiloh March 29- April 1 2012
Raymond Vicksburg October 18 – 21 2012

Chickamauga September 2013


______________________________
End of Terry Crowder's message

[Spinster]

Folks,

You can register here:

http://www.cleburnes-division.com/


Or follow the path through the First Federal Division Website

http://www.firstfederaldivision.com/news_events.html


But, its time------folks can't plan for you if you don't tell them you are coming. And you do that by registering.

[RJSamp]

Thanks Terre! This one will be a good one!

[billwatson2]

I'm in. Civilian this time. Wife, too.

[captdougofky]

Plenty of Artillery and Cav making a show, Infantry draggings its feet a little. Big events are not big unless Infantry out shines the other two Branches. I been to enough Nationals to make that statement. Big numbers on the Infantry side is the show. Artillery and Cav are the side acts. I know we will have Civilian, Medical etc. I don't want to leave anyone out, but its not a National event without strong Infantry on the ground. Soon to be Sept. with Nov. around the corner. Hope the numbers improve.

Always
Doug Thomas
Lyons-Kentucky CS

[Michael Pierpoint]

Boy-oh

This will be a good one, so if you have not registered do so. There will be no walk ons.

[johnerys]

Mrs Lawson,
Since those of us who will be coming with the Medich Bttn/homegaurd will be living in the village, does that mean we can count on you and the other villagers for cooking, ect, and having a roof over out heads for the weekend?

[PaperPusher]

I'm anxiously awaiting the answer on this one. I may have to take on a different role for this event if her answer is yes! haha!

[Spinster]

Lets see.

Shelter:
Buckboard wagon, Ten feet long with low slung running gear. Three feet wide in grain box. Now just exactly how cozy do you want to get to four women with belt knives and lips full of snuff?

Food:
Four years ago, I came into 100 pounds of wevilly hominey. There's still 25 pounds left.

Firewood:
Yes, as a matter of fact, I DO own an axe.



"A man with a black powder pistol is just a man with a black powder pistol........but a woman with an ax is a WOMAN WITH AN AXE!" Bill Rambo, 140th Franklin

[Spinster]

Now-------that was a wisecrack. Here's a more serious answer.

The relationship between soldier and citizen is always an uneasy one.

Cheered one moment, shunned the next, the soldier's lot is not pleasant, nor is his duty easy.

For a citizen, one army is as bad as another. Oh, the experience can be painted up with high-minded politics and fancy words.......or not......The result is the same. Ruined crops, missing livestock, damaged land, destroyed homes.

The Home Guard of Dover were known to their neighbors----some of whom cheered them, some of whom would question their motives. There will be those who think them heros and those who think them cowards. You'll see that same reaction here.

The registration button for civilians living in the Town of Dover will be on the website shortly. The requirements are simple.

The Town of Dover is a civilian area. Be prepared to live, work and play in in period dress, for the duration of the event. If you have something modern, keep it hidden from view.

If we had a million dollars, we'd build a town of period buildings--and run out of room and money. Your tent is your home--close the door if you have things inside that would detract .

The Town may be subject to miltary action at various times (Rules of Engagement are being developed now). Home Guard or other military forces may come through the town (see historical record for clues). At certain times, movement in and out of the Town may be limited for your safety, or you may have to obtain a pass and escort from a military authority to travel.

This area is not for military/family camping---those camps are designated in a different area.

For some, this is the first time they will camp as 'civilian only'. There will be folks around with experience in that, and glad to answer questions.

As we move into the 150th cycle, we hope this event will give a new learning opportunity for all of us, and a chance to develop and practice the skills that were everyday life for those on the Homefront.

Welcome.