Reenactors Work Together, Achieve Success

By Joseph Bordonaro · Originally published September 2017 · pp. 26–27

(Tom George Davison)

Reenactors Work Together, Achieve Success By Joseph Bordonaro NEWPORT NEWS, Va.—“On to Richmond!” was the Union battle cry in 1862, so it was chosen for reenacting key parts of the Seven Days Battles, held at Endview Plantation in Newport News, Va., over the weekend of June 2-4. Finding a location for a Civil War reenactment is not an easy task, but Endview Plantation is an excellent venue. It was actually used by the Confederate Army as a field hospital following fighting on the Warwick River Line during the Siege of Yorktown. Organizer S. Chris Anders, of Rear Rank Productions, explains how he was able to hold the reenactment at Endview: “Putting on a proper Seven Days event has long been a goal of mine, and I spent a few months traveling the area looking for the perfect site. When I contacted Tim Green (Education Coordinator at Endview), he said he had always wanted to host a Rear Rank Production event at Endview and it all fell in place.” In fact, Mr. Anders gives Endview Plantation the lion’s share of the credit for the event taking place. He does, however also give other people credit, as well: “Reenactors were involved in every step of the program. There were many who took personal ownership of the event, from myself, who served as both event organizer and Confederate Commander, to my dear friend Mike Lavis who served as Federal Commander, Dick Watters who led the CS 1st Division, Brian Geseuro who led 2nd Division, Ted Brennan and Bob Minton who led Federal brigades, Susanna Vaughn who did an amazing job as civilian coordinator, and Todd Harrington who put together a stellar sutler row.” Once the site was found for the reenactment and a team put together to organize the event, a major chore loomed: How to fill the ranks. Unlike established events that almost automatically achieve a large turnout from the reenactors, a new event is faced with the daunting challenge of getting the word out and recruiting reenactors. This is where the track record of S. Chris Anders and Rear Rank Productions is crucial. Over the years, some of the best reenacting events have been organized by this group, including: Fire on the Mountain 2000; Burkittsville, 2001; To the Gates of Washington; Summer of ‘62; War on the James; September Storm; Maryland my Maryland; At High Tide; Down the Valley; Lee Takes Command; Balls Bluff 150th; and Campaign Before Richmond. With this record, and with the creation of a Facebook page to publicize the event, registrations started rolling in. A major stumbling block that has, in the past, prevented many reenactments from achieving maximum success was addressed adroitly by Rear Rank Productions: How to get all reenactors to fit in together at one event? The major key to success here was the creation of separate camping areas for each side, as well as an area for civilians. There were “campaign” camping areas as well as “garrison” camps within the Union and Confederate areas to accommodate all reenactors. All reenactors had to agree to a common code of behavior during the battle scenarios, and their “kit” had to meet posted standards reflecting the 1862 appearance of the soldiers, but the ability to camp in a setting and style of their choosing made it possible for reenactors to set aside their sometimes acrimonious differences and work together to present the best battle scenarios possible. The On to Richmond event featured four scenarios, “Casey’s Redoubt,” a Battle of Seven Pines scenario; the Battle of Gaine’s Mill; the Battle of Savage’s Station, and the Battle of Malvern Hill. Another unique

(Tom George Davison) feature of this reenactment was the site early Sunday morning for the use of two separate locations the last two scenarios, which in for the battles. Casey’s Redoubt itself is an impressive logistical and Gaine’s Mill were reenact- feat. ed at Endview Plantation, while Perhaps the highest accolades Savage’s Station and Malvern an event can be awarded are Hill were reenacted at nearby Lee those of its participants. To close Hall. Used as a headquarters by this article I am including some both Maj. Gen. John B. Magrud- quotations from participants: er and Gen. Joseph E. Johnston “Saturday’s Dusk battle my during the Siege of Yorktown, unit got to portray the 7th TenLee Hall, like Endview Planta- nessee…and marching into the tion, is a restored historic site wood line our Colonel screamed, owned by the City of Newport “Hawgdrivers Advance!”… gave News. Reenactors were bused to me chills on the back of neck, greatest battle I’ve been in, hands down. – Pvt. Eric Cosentino, 7th Tennessee, 10th Battalion, ANV.” “Moving forward through the trees, with Gen. Hood leading us forward sent chills up my spine. The smoke was so thick you could barely make out the silhouettes of the Union Army. Never before had I seen such a fight as that.” – Pvt. Joshua Drega, 5th Texas, Co. D “My heart was racing as we climbed up the walls of the redoubt and went into the attack at Gaine’s Mill. The dusk battle was unreal and the 5th New York Zouaves’ part was especially notable. This event provided many new insights and new experiences.” – Sgt. John Settle, 19th Virginia, Co. B “The realism of “our house lawn” being turned into an aid station for Saturday’s night battle, filled with the cries of the wounded & dying was beyond any scenario I’ve ever been part of. Holding onto boys pleading for life, water, mother, then holding my own “dying” husband in my arms is something I will likely never forget.” – Jessica Babcock, Civilian “Looking out over our lawn to see the dead laid out, some who had been in my arms just mere moments ago; words cannot describe the feeling. I stood there covered in sweat and only the good Lord knows what else, looking at the place we had luncheon just hours before, listening to the sound of men begging for their wives and mothers. We helped those we could and comforted those we couldn’t, easing them into the Lord’s arms with a gentle touch and a soft word of verse or song.” – Laura Swisher, Civilian. 4th Texas, Co. E “This was my first reenactment and I have to say that it was an experience I will never forget as long as I live! It was a true honor to reenact and live like those men did for a weekend! …My great, great, grandfather John Henry

Shelton served in the Confederate army under the command of Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and served until the end of the war. It gave me chills and almost a tear to my eye as we marched in formation out onto the field. I got to experience what he did…I know that he was looking down from heaven knowing that his service and sacrifice hasn’t been forgotten. All of us reenactors whether blue or gray honor those brave men who fought and died for what they believed was right!” – Pvt. Walker Shelton, 26th North Carolina “With superb attention to detail and planning, participant commitment to accuracy, and proper mindset, we all were rewarded with an experience that is about as close as one could achieve without lead flying through the air. Seeing a 300 yard skirmish line, muzzle flashes in the dark, the rebel yell reverberating through the trees, and correct distances between troop lines, this event has raised the bar for future events …Glad I was able to be a small part of this watershed event.” – Lee Gordon, Capt. ANV Campaigner Battalion. “…Our home was full of wounded…our yard …there was no more room. We had no more bandages, no medicine…nothing…all we could offer was some water, whiskey, and prayers…” – Jennifer Mitchell, Civilian, 4th Texas “…watching them (the reenactors) experience magic windows to the past made it all worthwhile, for in the end, I work for them and our collective history.” – S. Chris Anders, Event Organizer