Gettysburg 156th Anniversary Reenactment Held July 5, 6 & 7 at Gettysburg Movie Site

Originally published September 2019 · pp. 1–5

GETTYSBURG, Penn.—The weather can be hot, humid, and rainy in Gettysburg during July and this year’s Gettysburg Reenactment experienced all those weather elements. The good news is that the event was able to proceed all three days, but the bad news was the days were hot and humid and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights the skies opened up with 7 total inches of rain making turf conditions dicey and demanding additional logistical efforts by the organizers. A windstorm accompanied Saturday evening`s rain further frustrating participants and organizers. As usual, event organizer The Gettysburg Anniversary Committee (GAC) provided very good responses and resources, bringing in stone and additional equipment to assist reenactors on deteriorating turf. Registration was easy, ice, water, and firewood were in abundance, port-ajohns were cleaned regularly, and there were numerous camp visits by event Security and EMS. By the end of the weekend, event organizers reported very few heat related incidents despite the high temperatures. GAC reported that approximately 1,000 pre-registered reenactors, 22 artillery pieces, and approximately 70 cavalry, plus walk-ons attended the event. The Gettysburg Movie Site, just south of Gettysburg, is next to the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Eisenhower National Historic site. It is a favorite of reenactors and visitors. The views are excellent for looking at the historic Sachs Mill Covered Bridge, The Round Tops, the South Mountain range, and the Longstreet Tower. This year, each army camped on different sides of the battlefield but were still in fairly close proximity to the battlefield and sutlers. There was a nice array of sutlers and the Living History Camp organized by Kirk Davis and his living history crew at Gettysburg is always a crowd pleaser. A large living history tent was filled to capacity with programs like Ladies Period Dress, actor Patrick Falci talking about his role in the movie Gettysburg, Civil War music, the Generals, Civil War religion, and even an actual Civil War wedding. A highlight of the Living History Camp was Rev. Alan Farley’s original, restored U.S. Christian Commission coffee wagon. Despite not being hot coffee weather, hundreds of cups were still handed out. Each morning there was a cavalry battle followed by a review where the spectators got to see the mounted troops and their horses up close and personal. In a unique occurrence, Friday’s afternoon battle involved two first day scenarios back to back. Inch By Inch

• Buford’s Delay was immediately followed by Portrait of Hell– Barlow’s Knoll. On Saturday the action turned to Stemming The Tide—East Cemetery Hill. On Sunday, Carnage Incarnate Armistead At The Wall, portrayed a segment of Pickett’s Charge. The Federal Volunteer Brigade under General Jay Henson and Longstreet’s Corps under General Terry Shelton commanded the event. All involved seemed to work well together and with the event organizers. There was a bit of an unexpected twist when Henson was called home Thursday due a family emergency leaving command to his senior staff. From every report, including Longstreet’s, FVB senior staff performed an exemplary job of rising to the occasion the rest of the weekend. This event was the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee’s 25

Year Anniversary and 26th event. GAC Operations Manager Randy Phiel complimented the Schroeder and Shields families for being gracious hosts and allowing the reenactment on their property. He said that plans for next year’s event have not been finalized. Before the final battle on Sunday GAC presented donations to the SGT MAC Wreath Project, Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association Daniel Lady Farm, the Land Conservancy Adams County, and to Rev. Farley’s Reenactors Mission For Jesus Christ for restoring one of three remaining boilers on the coffee wagon that needs put back into full working order. Last year GAC made a donation for restoring the wagon wheels by an Amish craftsman in Ohio. Phiel said that in GAC’s 25 year history, they have hosted over 100,000 reenactors, made history come alive for over 500,000 visitors from around the globe, employed hundreds of community members, and greatly benefited the Gettysburg economy. He said he could not be prouder of this community organization and the staff, as well as the many reenactors over the years who have worked with Cavalry clash during Hampton At Hunterstown. GAC to make this event happen for reenactors, visitors, and the community.

A portion of the Federal camp silhouetted by the historic Sachs Mill Covered Bridge and The Round Tops.

Armistead leads his troops to the wall during Carnage Incarnate.

A portion of the Confederate advance on the Federal line at the wall.

Left: Actor Patrick Falci fills the living history tent as he relates his role both on and off camera in making the movie Gettysburg.

Mounted cavalry review. Federals awaiting the Confederate charge after the 22 cannon artillery barrage on Sunday.