We spent Sunday at the Boone Hall Plantation which was the site for the Reenactment of the Battle of Secessionville. This was one of the many civil war battles or as it is referred to down here "The War Between the States", or "The War for Southern Independence", or "The War of Northern Aggression". You can read the full account of the battle above, but this is short version.
1861 the Civil war starts, and the Union Troops are kicked out of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
1863 the war is not going well for the Union yet. There is a siege on Charleston and The Union troops are attempting to gain a foothold in the surrounding swamp from which to shell the city. They eventually do gain this foothold and destroy much of the city with a weapon called the Swamp Angel. Basically a big cannon mounted on a huge Corduroy platform. In those days they knew to call a swamp a swamp. Now that same land is called Marsh. That's a much more real estate friendly term. It still breeds mosquitoes by the ton, so much so that you would want a screened in porch from which to enjoy your "marsh view" home. But I digress.
The Confederate forces have a fort in Secessionville on James Island just south of the city to protect Charleston. The Union troops advance on this fort from the south. In this case the Union troops are repulsed and it takes about a year before they try again. The first part of the war was marked by incredible blunders by the Union forces which resulted in grossly out manned Confederate victories. This was a perfect example. Some Union commander ordered this action against orders.
The Pictures
People really get into this. Not only are there the military reenactors, but there are others in period dress all over. This whole family is into the gig.
This is a demonstration of mourning attire
These two guys have been caught for Spitting in the lady's camp
Made to seek forgiveness
There are about 30 sutler's tent set up selling all sorts of reenactment supplies and other stuff