Past Lane Plus is an extension of Past Lane Travels, a history/travel blog. Past Lane Plus features extra photos of historical sites that didn’t make it into the regular posts.
I was going to post pictures on a different topic today, but since this coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday mark the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, I decided to post pictures from the Civil War Reenactment instead.
The Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg lasted three days and resulted in more than 50,000 casualties. The anniversary of the battle on July 1, 2 and 3 is commemorated every year with a reenactment and other special events.
I attended the cavalry engagement depicting East Cavalry Field last Sunday, but left before the reenactment of Pickett’s Charge, which would have been awesome.
Civil War Camp Life
Attending a Reenactment isn’t just about watching a battle. Being able to wander through the camps, talk to the soldiers and see how they lived is part of the fun.
The Cavalry Battle
I’ve been to dozens of Civil War reenactments, but cavalry engagements are especially interesting to watch.
This reenactment, organized by the Patriots of the Civil War Association, was among the best I’ve ever seen.
Sutler Life
Another aspect of attending a reenactment is going shopping in the sutler encampment.
Sutlers were civilian merchants who sold provisions to those in the field, in camp, or in quarters. They usually sold wares from the back of a wagon or a temporary tent, traveling with an army or to remote military outposts.
You can buy leather goods, homemade soaps and candles, period dresses, housewares, books and hundreds of other one-of-a-kind items.
History For The Kids
The best thing about attending a reenactment is watching the kids as they get to see, smell, touch and experience history.
It’s an experience they will never forget!
I hope you enjoyed this short picture essay of a Civil War reenactment. There is another reenactment in Gettysburg this weekend if you want to experience it for yourself.