“Fall Farm Skirmish” a Successful Harvest for GBPA

Originally published January 2019 · p. 1

Capping a 2018 season that saw a reduction in the number and size of reenactments generally, the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association successfully bucked the trend by staging the “Fall Farm Skirmish” Oct. 20 & 21, at the Historic Daniel Lady Farm. Units of the First and Second Regiments of the Federal Volunteer Brigade faced off with the 7th Louisiana Infantry and local Confederate forces in a live-action skirmish over the two days. The vollies were exchanged on 10 acres of the historic farm at 1008 Hanover Street that was held by the Confederates during most of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. The farm saw skirmishing during the first day’s fighting and, as the battle progressed, both the house and barn were struck by Union artillery fire. Both served as a field hospital for wounded and dying Confederate combatants. Confederate troops assembled across the Lady Farm for the assault on Culp’s Hill on the second and third days of the battle. GBPA officials report that close to 300 reenactors representing the North and South exchanged volleys during the two-day engagement that also provided visitors with a close look at daily life in the two camps. Event organizer and GBPA Board of Directors member Kirk Davis said the reduced scale of the event worked to the advantage of both participants and spectators. “The audience could really hear the commands of the officers during the battle and, at the same time, the reenactors knew they were under close scrutiny to follow those orders and give authenticity to every aspect of the clash,” said Davis. An added feature on Saturday was a concert by noted historic musician Kent Courtney for troops and visitors. Information about the Historic Daniel Lady Farm and the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association can be found at