Reliving the Battle of Gettysburg
How a Reenactment Transformed My Appreciation for Civil War History
My head is reeling. Did I genuinely just engage in conversation with Generals Robert E. Lee and George Meade? Have I been swept into a time machine? Did they not only permit me to take their photographs but also seem eager to pose?
I am at the Gettysburg reenactment, tasked as one of the official photographers for the sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary. It's July 2013. I am deeply immersed in the tent camps. The weather is stifling, and I am unsure how much more of this humidity and heat I can withstand, yet I am resolved to visit every tent, even at the risk of collapsing.
The reenactors are so invested in their roles that it's beginning to warp my perception. I feel as though I am truly there, amidst the Gettysburg Civil War tent encampment.
I meandered among the numerous tents, stopping at each to engage. Everyone welcomed me in, to converse, to field my queries, and above all, to animate history. The camp is a blend of soldiers, officers, generals, civilians, medical staff, and artillery units. And oh my, there was President Jefferson Davis! We chatted for what felt like an eternity.
It all felt so real!
And so, it went on. I wandered through all the tents, camera in hand, realizing I was in a photographer's paradise. I also adored the civilians strolling around, especially the women in their puffy dresses and beautiful parasols.
Cardinal Dolan even came down from NYC to do a field mass at the conclusion of the events.
At the end of each day, a battle reenactment took place. I was fortunate to see Pickett’s Charge! The horses, canons, and marching soldiers made it feel incredibly realistic. It was thrilling!
Gettysburg hosts Civil war reenactments every year, typically around the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. This year, the Battle will take place on July 6th at the Daniel Lady Farm, 1008 Hanover Road, Gettysburg, PA. It’s not too early to make plans.
I can tell you from experience that the lectures are fabulous. Coming from a medical background, I found the medical lectures detailing the treatments and surgeries performed on the soldiers incredibly fascinating and educational.
The singing from the church service next door was also quite memorable.
Scroll through this website for tickets and schedule information.
Gettysburg Reenactment Tickets and Schedule
If you can’t make the reenactment, here is the official website for the Gettysburg National Park Museum and Visitor Center to visit anytime.
Explore the museum, watch the orientation film, and marvel at the 360-degree Gettysburg Cyclorama depicting Pickett’s Charge.
Reenactments happen only once a year over a weekend in July, but the battlefields are worth visiting anytime. I'm a Pennsylvania native (used to live in Hershey 50 miles north), before moving to California. I frequented the park; never tired of it.
Needless to say, some find reenactments problematic because they believe they can come across as insensitive to the historical significance and suffering associated with the Civil War that left 51,000 dead. Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the entire war.
I couldn’t disagree more. Not only are the 8,000 men, women, and children reenactors all Civil War History buffs, it’s not all “pretend.” Some are even decedents of the actual soldiers who fought. I personally spent considerable time chatting with the great grandson of George Pickett, Henry Clay Pickett III!
Of even more importance, these reenactors eat, breath, and sleep Civil War history. Considering the sorry state of the knowledge of Civil War history in this country, (less than 8 % of high school students even know why it was fought; less than 20% of all Americans have even a basic understanding of it), our best hope of keeping this valuable history alive is through the reenactors. Every parent should consider it a “must do” vacation for their kids. I guarantee you that any kid (or adult) spending a weekend at one of the Gettysburg reenactments will absolutely walk away with a true sense and understanding of Civil War history. While I went with a good basic understanding, I left with a zeal I could have never imagined. To this day, 9 years later, I read pretty much everything I can find Civil War related, being forever grateful to the reenactors who piqued both my knowledge and curiosity.
Civil War reenactments breathe life into history, bridging the gap between textbooks and lived experiences. As we immerse in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the past, watch soldiers in authentic uniforms, smell the campfires and hear the bugle calls, we connect with the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
The valor of soldiers-both Union and Confederate-deserve recognition. Seriously consider making this experience happen, both for you, and your children. Visit a reenactment, stand on hallowed ground, feel the pulse of history, and allow your heart to beat in synch with history.
Last but not least, share the stories!
Additional Resources
Here’s another helpful website from a local Gettysburg historical fiction writer, Jessica James. Jessica provides a wealth of reenactment information. It’s worth pursuing it if you plan to attend-lots of good information.
Jessica James Website_Gettysburg Local
Last but not least, if your visiting Gettysburg or Pennsylvania for the first time, there’s more:
David Wills House, 8 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA, is where President Lincoln spent the night before giving the Gettysburg Address. It has since been transformed into a fantastic museum.
Jennie Wade House Museum at 548 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, PA offers tours on a double-decker open-air bus or an air-conditioned bus with a licensed battlefield guide (highly recommended). Jennie Wade was the only civilian causality of the Civil war. She was only 20 years old, killed while baking bread for the Union troops when she was hit by a stray bullet.
And of course, if you are interested in making a full-blown vacation around Gettysburg, there is plenty do see and visit within an easy drive. Here’s a short list of some popular attractions within a 3-hour drive from Gettysburg:
Lancaster, PA Dutch County (Do NOT miss the best PA Dutch Restaurant in the country, Dienners. You will thank me, the “mother-lode” of all comfort food-authentic Pennsylvania Dutch (and the ladies who cook it are delightful)!
Bedford Omni Springs Hotel, Bedford, PA (Known for its famous mineral springs and notable guests, including presidents and dignitaries).
Flight 93 Memorial, Shanksville, PA (Memorial of the brave souls killed on 911).
Johnstown, PA Flood Museum (One of the most devastating tragedies in US history).
Annapolis, MD (“Sailing capital of the World,” Naval Acadamy, Chesapeake Crabs, Charming City)
Dear readers, I hope you all have the chance to visit Gettysburg and, if possible, attend a reenactment where blood once soaked the soil. Reenactors, dressed in wool uniforms, bring history to life. They march, they battle, and they fall—honoring the sacrifices of those who stood on this sacred ground.
It's a place that's haunted by history. The number of ghost stories I've heard from locals over the years is countless (some hotels even sell “ghost T-shirts” in their giftshops. The Daniel Lady Farm is often called the most haunted site, having served as a field hospital with bloodstains still visible today. Being there, one might feel the enduring agony. Remember, 51,000 soldiers perished in the three-day Battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.
I'm an avid fan of these reenactments. They've not only enriched my knowledge of Civil War history but also leave me with a profound sense of being transported to July 1863, filled with immense respect for both the soldiers and civilians. Moreover, I departed with a sense of connection, carrying with me the spirit of those times.
History comes to life as their bravery continues to live on. Rest in peace, courageous souls!
Visit the entire photo gallery here.
All photos are copyrighted by California Travel Writer Patricia Inc.
