The registration for for this year's Hale Farm reenactment (August 10-12) is now available. We are really pushing to make this a Birney's 2d Battalion Max Effort Event since the cancellation of Lisbon. Make sure to mark on your registration that you are part of Birney's Division.
CLICK HERE to download the registration form.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Antietam Reenactment Details
Wednsday / Thursday - Staff may arrive
Friday - Troops arrive set up camps
Saturday Morning 9:00 AM - "Escape from Harpers Ferry"
This battle is like no other battle you have experienced at any national anniversary event ever held in major Civil War reenacting today. At any other event of this magnitude the battle scenarios have been carefully scripted and tailored to accommodate spectators. They were always held out in the open and in plain view of the public. For all of you that question the merit of the non-spectator event consider this new and refreshing approach to a battle by reenactors for reenactors.
This battle will be very unique, challenging and spontaneous. The battle will begin with Longstreet's mounted cavalry making a hasty retreat out of the Harpers Ferry district over actual roads that were used during the war crossing the site of this event. They will be accompanied by a period horse drawn supply train and light artillery over these wooded trails somewhere on the property. All commanders will not have any knowledge of the train's whereabouts at the start of the battle. The Federal command will send the Federal Cavalry out to reconnoiter and find the Confederate Cavalry that is rumored to be making a break out somewhere in the area just as it would have been during the War. When the opposing force is located the Federal Cavalry will attack and try to turn their advance. Couriers will speed off to alert the opposing armies that will be in camp to come to the aid of their forces already engaged. Both armies will converage somewhere on the property and one hell of a fight will ensue. This battle may set the standard for reenactments to come in the future. Imagine for the first time at a major reenactment being able to have a major battle on a wooded trail just the way it would have happened during the war. The battle will test the abilities and instincts of all commanders to follow orders and react to what transpires. This battle has no time limit it lasts till a sealed objective order is fulfilled by both overall commanders. Our abilities will be tested in this new and refreshing approach to doing the hobby our way.
1:00 PM - "The Battle of the West Woods"
The battle of the West Woods will be a hotly contested fight on pristine ground that will be a scripted battle. The battle will roll between the armies back and forth as history dictates with many interesting twists incorporated into a great battle.
The battle opened at dawn (about 5:30 a.m.) on September 17 with an attack down the Hagerstown Turnpike by the Union I Corps under Joseph Hooker. Hooker's objective was the plateau on which the Dunker Church stood. Hooker had approximately 8,600 men, little more than the 7,700 defenders under Stonewall Jackson, and this slight disparity was more than offset by the Confederates' strong defensive positions. Abner Doubleday's division moved on Hooker's right, James Ricketts's moved on the left into the East Woods, and George Meade's division deployed in the center and slightly to the rear. Jackson's defense consisted of the divisions under Alexander Lawton and John R. Jones in line from the West Woods, across the Turnpike, and along the southern end of the Miller Cornfield. Four brigades were held in reserve inside the West Woods.
As the first Union men emerged from the North Woods and into the Cornfield, an artillery duel erupted. Confederate fire was from the horse artillery batteries under Jeb Stuart to the west and four batteries under Col. Stephen D. Lee on the high ground across the pike from the Dunker Church to the south. Union return fire was from nine batteries on the ridge behind the North Woods and four batteries of 20-pounder 2 miles (3 km) east of Antietam Creek. The conflagration caused heavy casualties on both sides and was described by Col. Lee as "Artillery Hell."
Sunday Morning - 10:00 AM - "The Battle of the Sunken Road"
The Finale to this great reenactment weekend will be the Battle of the Sunken Road. This battle will be fought on a 1/8 th mile natural swale that will have the erie look of the Sunken Road on that day in September in 1862 near Sharpsburg Maryland, complete with a replica rail fence similar to the one that stood at the time of the battle. To add to the excitement and realisim there will be major league pyrotechnics done by the experts that do the famous Perryopolis event in Western Pennsylvania. Great pains have been taken to make this battle as realistic as possible and it will be one you all will not soon forget.
The carnage from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the sunken road gave it the name Bloody Lane, leaving about 5,600 casualties (Union 3,000, Confederate 2,600) along the 800-yard road. And yet a great opportunity presented itself. If this broken sector of the Confederate line were exploited, Lee's army would have been divided in half and possibly defeated. There were ample forces available to do so. There was a reserve of 3,500 cavalry and the 10,300 infantrymen of Gen. Porter's V Corps, waiting near the middle bridge, a mile away. The VI Corps had just arrived with 12,000 men. Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin of the VI Corps was ready to exploit this breakthrough, but Sumner, the senior corps commander, ordered him not to advance. Franklin appealed to McClellan, who left his headquarters in the rear to hear both arguments but backed Sumner's decision, ordering Gens. Franklin and Hancock to hold their positions.
Friday - Troops arrive set up camps
Saturday Morning 9:00 AM - "Escape from Harpers Ferry"
This battle is like no other battle you have experienced at any national anniversary event ever held in major Civil War reenacting today. At any other event of this magnitude the battle scenarios have been carefully scripted and tailored to accommodate spectators. They were always held out in the open and in plain view of the public. For all of you that question the merit of the non-spectator event consider this new and refreshing approach to a battle by reenactors for reenactors.
This battle will be very unique, challenging and spontaneous. The battle will begin with Longstreet's mounted cavalry making a hasty retreat out of the Harpers Ferry district over actual roads that were used during the war crossing the site of this event. They will be accompanied by a period horse drawn supply train and light artillery over these wooded trails somewhere on the property. All commanders will not have any knowledge of the train's whereabouts at the start of the battle. The Federal command will send the Federal Cavalry out to reconnoiter and find the Confederate Cavalry that is rumored to be making a break out somewhere in the area just as it would have been during the War. When the opposing force is located the Federal Cavalry will attack and try to turn their advance. Couriers will speed off to alert the opposing armies that will be in camp to come to the aid of their forces already engaged. Both armies will converage somewhere on the property and one hell of a fight will ensue. This battle may set the standard for reenactments to come in the future. Imagine for the first time at a major reenactment being able to have a major battle on a wooded trail just the way it would have happened during the war. The battle will test the abilities and instincts of all commanders to follow orders and react to what transpires. This battle has no time limit it lasts till a sealed objective order is fulfilled by both overall commanders. Our abilities will be tested in this new and refreshing approach to doing the hobby our way.
1:00 PM - "The Battle of the West Woods"
The battle of the West Woods will be a hotly contested fight on pristine ground that will be a scripted battle. The battle will roll between the armies back and forth as history dictates with many interesting twists incorporated into a great battle.
The battle opened at dawn (about 5:30 a.m.) on September 17 with an attack down the Hagerstown Turnpike by the Union I Corps under Joseph Hooker. Hooker's objective was the plateau on which the Dunker Church stood. Hooker had approximately 8,600 men, little more than the 7,700 defenders under Stonewall Jackson, and this slight disparity was more than offset by the Confederates' strong defensive positions. Abner Doubleday's division moved on Hooker's right, James Ricketts's moved on the left into the East Woods, and George Meade's division deployed in the center and slightly to the rear. Jackson's defense consisted of the divisions under Alexander Lawton and John R. Jones in line from the West Woods, across the Turnpike, and along the southern end of the Miller Cornfield. Four brigades were held in reserve inside the West Woods.
As the first Union men emerged from the North Woods and into the Cornfield, an artillery duel erupted. Confederate fire was from the horse artillery batteries under Jeb Stuart to the west and four batteries under Col. Stephen D. Lee on the high ground across the pike from the Dunker Church to the south. Union return fire was from nine batteries on the ridge behind the North Woods and four batteries of 20-pounder 2 miles (3 km) east of Antietam Creek. The conflagration caused heavy casualties on both sides and was described by Col. Lee as "Artillery Hell."
Sunday Morning - 10:00 AM - "The Battle of the Sunken Road"
The Finale to this great reenactment weekend will be the Battle of the Sunken Road. This battle will be fought on a 1/8 th mile natural swale that will have the erie look of the Sunken Road on that day in September in 1862 near Sharpsburg Maryland, complete with a replica rail fence similar to the one that stood at the time of the battle. To add to the excitement and realisim there will be major league pyrotechnics done by the experts that do the famous Perryopolis event in Western Pennsylvania. Great pains have been taken to make this battle as realistic as possible and it will be one you all will not soon forget.
The carnage from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the sunken road gave it the name Bloody Lane, leaving about 5,600 casualties (Union 3,000, Confederate 2,600) along the 800-yard road. And yet a great opportunity presented itself. If this broken sector of the Confederate line were exploited, Lee's army would have been divided in half and possibly defeated. There were ample forces available to do so. There was a reserve of 3,500 cavalry and the 10,300 infantrymen of Gen. Porter's V Corps, waiting near the middle bridge, a mile away. The VI Corps had just arrived with 12,000 men. Maj. Gen. William B. Franklin of the VI Corps was ready to exploit this breakthrough, but Sumner, the senior corps commander, ordered him not to advance. Franklin appealed to McClellan, who left his headquarters in the rear to hear both arguments but backed Sumner's decision, ordering Gens. Franklin and Hancock to hold their positions.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
OBV Alert!
All,
I just recieved and update on the registrations for the JUNE OBV event. We are Dangerously close to the 750 reenactor LIMIT. If your unit or members of your unit haven't registered yet it is advisable to get it done as soon as possible. The fact that the 750 reenactor limit was reinforced sternly by the folks at OBV in our conversation that once the limit is reached all registrations after that wil be TURNED AWAY..... NO EXCEPTIONS ! The event has become so popular that it may be difficult to get in for future years without very early registration. Every year the event gets full earlier and earlier. Don't get left out get registered now !
Your Servant,
Edward L. Kelley Sr. , Major General
Federal First Division
Birney's Division
Commanding
I just recieved and update on the registrations for the JUNE OBV event. We are Dangerously close to the 750 reenactor LIMIT. If your unit or members of your unit haven't registered yet it is advisable to get it done as soon as possible. The fact that the 750 reenactor limit was reinforced sternly by the folks at OBV in our conversation that once the limit is reached all registrations after that wil be TURNED AWAY..... NO EXCEPTIONS ! The event has become so popular that it may be difficult to get in for future years without very early registration. Every year the event gets full earlier and earlier. Don't get left out get registered now !
Your Servant,
Edward L. Kelley Sr. , Major General
Federal First Division
Birney's Division
Commanding
Friday, April 13, 2007
OBV: Fredericksburg
To all Commanders and Friends,
This is last call for the April OBV event, which would be the Assault on Fredericksburg. I highly suggest you get your registrations in as soon as possible. Walk ons will be permitted, registration will be at Building 27, the Jail, which is in the village, for both Federal and Confederate troops. Registration will not be in the Visitors' Center. Please pass this email on to all of your folks, so that they have the information on hand.
Now, for those of you who have houses in the village, please be aware that these houses are not huge. So you will need to bring some tents. You will also need to bring dining flies to cook under or around. Please understand that this is a must.
Registration at the Jail will open at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, and will stay open until 10:00 p.m. Any and all walk ons must report and register in upon arrival. Any late registrations will be taken at the Jail on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. If you have any questions about registration, please advise me as soon as possible.
Parking for all reenactors will be in front of the Welcome Center, off to the right hand side, up along the fence. Mounted Cav and artillery units will park their trailers on the back side near the maintenance shed, where they normally do, unless the ground is too muddy. Please do not park in the main parking area. Do not park behind the barn. Do not park anywhere other than along the fence. You will be asked to move your vehicle if you park anywhere other than along the fence. Do not park in the theater parking on the back side of the village. We are trying to keep all of the vehicles up on the tier by the fence.
If there are any problems or special needs, advise me ASAP. Hope to see you all out there. The event has grown greatly. Again, pass this email on to all of your folks. Give them the information so they know what is going on. Best regards, lets have some fun.
Edward L. Kelley Sr., Major General
Federal First Division
Birney's Division
Commanding
This is last call for the April OBV event, which would be the Assault on Fredericksburg. I highly suggest you get your registrations in as soon as possible. Walk ons will be permitted, registration will be at Building 27, the Jail, which is in the village, for both Federal and Confederate troops. Registration will not be in the Visitors' Center. Please pass this email on to all of your folks, so that they have the information on hand.
Now, for those of you who have houses in the village, please be aware that these houses are not huge. So you will need to bring some tents. You will also need to bring dining flies to cook under or around. Please understand that this is a must.
Registration at the Jail will open at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, and will stay open until 10:00 p.m. Any and all walk ons must report and register in upon arrival. Any late registrations will be taken at the Jail on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. If you have any questions about registration, please advise me as soon as possible.
Parking for all reenactors will be in front of the Welcome Center, off to the right hand side, up along the fence. Mounted Cav and artillery units will park their trailers on the back side near the maintenance shed, where they normally do, unless the ground is too muddy. Please do not park in the main parking area. Do not park behind the barn. Do not park anywhere other than along the fence. You will be asked to move your vehicle if you park anywhere other than along the fence. Do not park in the theater parking on the back side of the village. We are trying to keep all of the vehicles up on the tier by the fence.
If there are any problems or special needs, advise me ASAP. Hope to see you all out there. The event has grown greatly. Again, pass this email on to all of your folks. Give them the information so they know what is going on. Best regards, lets have some fun.
Edward L. Kelley Sr., Major General
Federal First Division
Birney's Division
Commanding
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Officer/NCO School - Directions to Perryopolis
Take the PA Turnpike to exit 75 New Stanton.
Take Rt 70 W for 7 miles to Rt 51 South 5 miles to the stop light, Perryopolis auto auction will be on your right.
Turn left at the light go straight as far as you can.
Bear right, take the first left into Sampey Park.
Go straight till the road turns to dirt ( 1/4 mile ) the camps will be on your right near the new barracks.
Perryopolis on Mapquest
Take Rt 70 W for 7 miles to Rt 51 South 5 miles to the stop light, Perryopolis auto auction will be on your right.
Turn left at the light go straight as far as you can.
Bear right, take the first left into Sampey Park.
Go straight till the road turns to dirt ( 1/4 mile ) the camps will be on your right near the new barracks.
Perryopolis on Mapquest
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Birney's Officer/NCO School Material
Click on the link to download the schedule and Student Guide for this weekend's Officer/NCO School.
Schedule
Student Guide
If you don't have the Acrobat Reader, click here to download and install.
Schedule
Student Guide
If you don't have the Acrobat Reader, click here to download and install.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Thunder Valley update
In the latest news from the Civil War Days at Thunder Valley (July 21-22, 2007 - near Erie, PA)...
Due to scheduling issues, Col Paul Baltzer has stepped up to take command of the Confederate forces at this event. Col Baltzer has previously lead Reb troops on the field, in addition to his regular role as a Union officer.
Lt Col Chris Smith will be serving as the Union Commander for the event.
For more information on Thunder Valley, please visit their web site at http://www.goerie.com/EriePaListings/civil_war_days.html
Due to scheduling issues, Col Paul Baltzer has stepped up to take command of the Confederate forces at this event. Col Baltzer has previously lead Reb troops on the field, in addition to his regular role as a Union officer.
Lt Col Chris Smith will be serving as the Union Commander for the event.
For more information on Thunder Valley, please visit their web site at http://www.goerie.com/EriePaListings/civil_war_days.html
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