By Debbie Stone

It was hot and oppressively humid, and I was sweating profusely. Though I was very uncomfortable, I looked at the men dressed in wool military uniforms and decided not to air my feelings aloud…or at least not too loudly. I had been informed that these conditions were similar to the ones on those fateful days in July of 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg. Knowing this helped bring home the reality of the experience, as I watched the men in action under the blazing sun.

I was at the 163rd Gettysburg Civil War Battle Reenactment, an event I had wanted to see since my visit to Gettysburg a few years ago. And this year, being America’s 250th birthday, seemed apropos to relive one of the most significant moments in our nation’s history.

Listen below to Big Blend Radio’s “Global Adventures” Podcast episode with Debbie Stone as she shares her ecxperience at the 163rd Civil Ward Reenactment in Gettysburg:

The reenactment took place over 4th of July weekend with three full days of programs and activities. And the intense heat didn’t deter the hearty and dedicated reenactors, nor the crowds of avid spectators. Everyone was prepared with hats, sunscreen, water, etc. and there were numerous cooling centers, shaded areas and a slew of hydration options to choose from. There were also EMTs present, as well.

This annual major event is organized by the Gettysburg Battle Preservation Association and it’s held at the historic, 146-acre Daniel Lady Farm. The site was used as a staging area for the Confederate attack on Culp’s Hill and served as a Confederate Field Hospital during the battle.

Visitors can stroll the grounds, walk among the Confederate and Union camps, tour the historic Daniel Lady house and barn, hear from presenters on a number of Civil War topics, watch demonstrations about artillery, cavalry, sharp shooters and even Civil War medicine, peruse the various booths and then amass at the field for the grand battles.

There are typically a few thousand reenactors involved each year, and an equal or more spectators. The number jumps quite a bit for the larger five-year events.

Wandering around the encampments, I had the chance to talk to some of the reenactors, many who told me they’ve been doing this for years. They not only participate at Gettysburg, but also reenact different battles at locations throughout the country. The ones I spoke with mainly came from eastern states, though at the Gettysburg five-year reenactments, participants hail from all over the U.S. and the world.

Becoming a reenactor is actually not as complicated as you might think. Basically, if you ask someone in one of the camps about participating, you’ll likely be recruited to join them, as they’re always looking for new blood. Most of the men I talked with confessed to being history buffs. They also said they enjoy the camaraderie and look forward to meeting up with other reenactors.

The reenactors stay in tents, cook their meals and socialize in a period manner, much like the soldiers did in camp during the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors are welcome to chat with them and get a look at their living quarters, the mess tent, their equipment and artillery. You’ll find that everyone is open to sharing their knowledge and experiences.

It’s not only men that are involved, however, as women also participate in the reenactment as reenactors. Their roles are much like they would have been during the battle. The men mainly fought and the women took care of the troops during and after the battles. The women dress as you’d imagine, with fitted bodices and full skirts.

The reenactors follow a strict schedule each day. Those in the field begin drills in the morning to ensure they’re prepared for the battles later in the day. And the living historians, many of whom are school teachers and history experts, spend their days educating the public in the living history village. They can also be found in the speakers’ tent, performing in first person to provide insight into some of the individuals who served in the Civil War or lived during this time.

Some of the presentations I saw dealt with actual Civil War family stories and life during this time, while others delved into the orders and duties of the different military ranks at Gettysburg. The presenters were impassioned actors and remained in character for the duration. A number of them have Civil War family backgrounds, which they have extensively researched, so the subject is near and dear to their hearts.

The most fascinating demonstration/presentation I attended was on Civil War medicine. The barn was packed, as people seemed eager to hear about this subject. Two men portrayed Civil War doctors/surgeons, who proceeded to explain about the training doctors received, as well as the conditions they faced during the war.

Back then, doctors were trained either in the few med schools that existed or via an apprenticeship with a practicing doctor. In the latter case, the apprentices only learned the practicing doctor’s techniques and if the doctor was old, for example, the techniques were most likely not up to date.

No one knew about infection or sterilization, and instruments were often crude. Contrary to belief, though, doctors weren’t butchers. They did the best they could with what they had, under intense pressure and in difficult situations.

The triage system was used for efficiency. If the patient was at death’s door, nothing was done. Those with small wounds were patched up and sent back into combat, while those needing surgery for serious wounds were operated on with the hope they could be helped and eventually return home. These were often amputee victims, of which there was a countless number. In gruesome fashion, when a limb was amputated, it was thrown out the barn window, as there was no need nor room to store it.

The two reenactors then demonstrated, using a mannequin, how they would deal with a soldier who had a bullet in his leg, from administering ether and chloroform and checking vital signs to digging out the bullet. It was actually quite realistic, fake blood included.

Some of the booths onsite offered Civil War themed merchandise, including clothing, pictures, historic artifacts and more. While others, specifically in the living history village, were educational in nature. One featured the nuts and bolts of dressmaking, another displayed a soldier’s items in his mess bag, along with types of gifts families sent to their loved ones in battle.

There was also a booth with a table sign, “Civil War/Brand Names.” It was interesting to see what brands existed back then; several that are still available today, such as: Altoids, Motts Applesauce, Van Camp’s Pork and Beans and Chase & Sanborn Coffee.

The full scale battle scenarios took centerstage, occurring at the end of each day. I was impressed by the depth of the action on the field. A number of the weapons used are from the time period, though of course no real ammunition is involved. But the smoke and noise from the cannons and guns was very realistic, as was the chaos occurring among the troops. I was caught up in the intensity and glued to the scene.

The Battle of Gettysburg marked the turning point in the Civil War. It came at a high cost, however, with more than 50,000 estimated casualties, making it the bloodiest single battle of the war. The three-day engagement ended in a Union victory, as Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s second quest to invade the North failed, dashing the hopes of the Confederate States of America to become an independent country.

During my visit to Gettysburg, I stayed at the historic Federal Pointe Inn. This elegant property is conveniently located to downtown shops and restaurants, and minutes from the Daniel Lady Farm.

Built in 1896 as the renowned Meade School, it was named after the Union general who led forces at the Battle of Gettysburg. The school stood as a beacon of education for over a century and later underwent a metamorphosis, emerging as an upscale hotel. Restoration was carefully done with consideration to honor the building’s storied past and its federal and gothic design elements, while creating a unique retreat for discerning guests.

The award-winning boutique hotel features 22 well-appointed suites with period-inspired décor and plenty of amenities. Antiques and artifacts abound, along with beautiful artwork, as the owner is a consummate collector of such items.

You don’t have to go far for food or drinks, as the cozy and inviting Pointe Pub is on the lower level of the inn. It, too, has retained the character of the historic schoolhouse, with original blackboards and authentic architectural details.

Here you’ll find a curated selection of locally made wines, artisanal craft beers, premium spirits and an eclectic dinner menu. Start with Mom’s Famous Dill Pickle Dip or the rich and creamy lobster bisque. Entrees include a selection of gourmet pizzas, jumbo lump crab cakes, tropical coconut shrimp, pork chops, and a short rib skillet. Save room for the chocolate chip cannoli or the strawberry vanilla bean crème brulee.

Another night, I headed over to the historic Farnsworth House Inn for dinner in the Meade & Lee Fine Dining rooms. There I dined amid Pennsylvania Dutch and period furnishings, served by period-dressed servers. My meal was divine, from the Maryland crab cakes and pumpkin fritters to the sweet potato pudding and spoon bread.


PLAN YOUR VISIT
www.destinationgettysburg.com
www.federalpointeinn.com

Debbie Stone is an established travel writer and columnist, and regular contributor for Big Blend Radio and Big Blend Magazines, who crosses the globe in search of unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers and listeners. She’s an avid explorer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for places, culture, food, history, nature, outdoor adventure, wellness, and more. Her travels have taken her to nearly 100 countries and all seven continents.

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