I have been a Civil War reenactor for 20 years. In that time, I have had many great experiences. Moments of clarity for what the soldiers went through in camp, on the march and in battle. What we call ‘magic moments,’ when you are briefly immersed in the action to the point it almost seems real. A great sense of satisfaction in contributing to preservation projects or during a school presentation as you watch the sparks of discovery in children’s eyes. I was even present at the largest reenactment – 33,500 in Gettysburg in 1998. With all of that, I have always known that what we do is to help inspire an interest in this part of history, not to make history. That all changed recently in the rolling hills east of Richmond, Virginia in late September.
The command group I belong to staged the 150th anniversary commemoration of several battles fought in Henrico County in late 1864. Specifically, Fort Harrison, New Market Heights and 2nd Deep Bottom. The process began back in March with a site walk through and planning meeting, then on to developing a schedule, answering questions and more. Throughout the process, we were all focused on the earthen fortifications we were constructing for the event. They would be the highlight for the reenactors and spectators, none of this scale constructed since the war. And they were impressive. Fort Harrison’s walls rose 11 feet high and proved to be a challenge for the assaulting Union troops. And the New Market Heights works were impressive, stretching over almost 200 yards. But, with all that, what I will remember more than anything will be a historic gathering that is unlikely to be equaled.
In 1864 at the Battle of New Market Heights, one entire division of the Union Army was made up of African Americans. They were called United States Colored Troops (USCT) and were composed of men from the north who were free and volunteering to fight for the Union and to bring freedom to those still enslaved in the South. Today, there are numerous small groups of USCT reenactors throughout the country. None quite large enough to field a company, but dedicated to sharing this important part of history. For our event, we decided to attempt to bring these small groups together to form a battalion to portray the USCT at New Market Heights. It was important to do this as 14 USCT solders were awarded the Medal of Honor as a result of their actions in this battle. Four of them were from Ohio, serving in the 5th USCT (127th Ohio). And, it was the 5th they would portray when they assaulted the works on Saturday afternoon.
Up and Over! Photo courtesy of Tom George Davison
The sight of these men going up and over the earthworks that Saturday afternoon in Virginia was incredible. Yes, they were a bit older and heavier than the men they were portraying. We all are in this hobby of reenacting. But, over they all intended to go. The symbolism of the act went well beyond their physical capabilities. Once inside the Confederate works, they went about capturing prisoners and firing at the fleeing rebels. A few minutes later the scenario ended. Time for everyone to gather up their gear and return to their units. That is when the most amazing thing happened. The USCT and Confederate troops did not leave the works. All around me I saw these men shaking hands, hugging each other and taking photos. They talked, they laughed and did not want to leave. I heard several Confederate reenactors thanking the USCT troops for allowing them the privilege to be a part of this historic commemoration. Yes, you read correctly. These rebel reenactors were thankful to be part of a scenario in which they lost. They understood the significance of what they had just recreated. They understood how this one battle proved that the black soldiers were equal to the white. They celebrated with their foes on the field the courage and dedication of those USCT troops from 150 years ago. These are the Confederate reenactors I have known these 20 years. Not the handful of loud-mouthed racist the media seems to always find, but men who understand their heritage. Both the USCT and Confederate reenactors that day knew that the men in gray were not there to promote the evil of slavery, but to commemorate a momentous time in our nation’s history. Sadly, there was no national media to share this story throughout the country. No cameras, no reporters, no notice at all of this example of how we can share a heritage together without conflict and misunderstanding.
A USCT Color Bearer Photo courtesy of Tom George Davison
After 20 years and literally hundreds of reenactments, I have seen just about everything that can happen at an event – good and bad. That perspective has ranged from a private in the ranks to the highest level in command. The event in Virginia was my last as an officer, it is time to put away my sword and let others take the lead. As I reflect on all those years traveling to Virginia, Tennessee, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Mississippi, I could not have asked for a better experience to end with. I will forever remember the sights and sounds in camp, the thrill of troops going over the wall and the realization that, for one weekend, at least a few Americans took the time to acknowledge the incredible courage and bravery long forgotten.
Event command staff, Dan Schoun, Mike Lavis, Bob Minton, Mark Holbrook, seated – Mike Rush. Photo courtesy of Neil Hamilton
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