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Civil War Reenactment - The Battle of Atlanta |
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You are at the FrontPage Each page listed below has up to 20 thumbnail photos to click on, so click on a page to discover and relive the event. Page1 - Fri. Battle of Jonesboro |
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Links to the pages and photos from other years at this event: 2009 Battle of Atlanta The busy Union officer pulled his "stretch" golf cart to a halt and called to the man who was walking slowly up the hill, "can I give you a lift?" "Gladly", he replied and settled on the last remaining seat. The carts motor seemed to struggle as it hauled 5 decidedly over-weight, middle-aged men up the gentle incline. The newest passenger (myself) laughingly called up to the Union officer, "I bet thats the last time you pick up a fat photographer in the middle of a hill" in a humorous tone". Earl Zeckman was that driver and the overall Union leader and from my experience a kind and gracious man. I suspected who he was but I like to watch people and learn before asking a name or introducing myself. Mr. Zeckman is a large part of what makes up Atlanta Campaign Inc. (atlantacampaign.com). They are the 501c3 organization that brought together 2007 blue and gray reeanactors to Nash Farms Battlefield Park (henrycountybattlefield.com), in Henry County, about 21 miles southeast of Atlanta, Georgia. This little farm is hallowed ground to historians of the American Civil War for here it is known that Americans fought, bled and died for their country. More information about the military actions and encampments can be found on the parks website cited above which is full of interesting short articles about the battles and movements of Confederate and Union forces in the area. I suspect many are written by local civil war historian Mark Pollard. Mr. Pollard along with (then county commissioner) B.J. Mathis were, I believe, the driving force behind the purchase and preservation of this property several years ago. I was present at the dedication and first reenactment in 2006. Atlanta Campaign Inc has held reenactments on this ground before and it has increased in numbers and decorations each time. This year in addition to the stuffed dead horses and broken artillery lying about there was a house built on the ridge. There was also the makings of a railroad in front of the house. Also long trenches had been cut in various places to help depict the battles. More than 1000 hours were donated by volunteers to prepare the historic property for the huge event. Mr. Zeckman and his group were expecting large numbers to arrive and they did. 66 cavalry along with 22 artillery guns filled the grounds everywhere you looked. 2007 reenactors were on the field during the 3 day event. Now I know most events are "3-day" events but this one had 4 battles over the 3 days! The Blue and Gray boys fought Friday evening depicting the Battle of Jonesboro (2nd day). I arrived from Florida 30 minutes before the shootin' match and happily saw a most wonderful contest from under a large shade tree. The farm's ground is hilly and the spectators watch the battles from a slope - giving all a wonderful, unobstructed view of the action. The Confederate leader was Florida's own Gen. Jesse from the 'Department of the Gulf'. He sits his horse well and runs a top-notch reenactor organization. The soldiers, sutlers, spectators and I retired early that night but came out early for Saturday mornings battle. This was a depiction of Kilpatricks Cavalry raid. The original raid included a mad dash of over 4000 cavalrymen who slashed their way across the Nash Farm and surrounding area in an effort to escape being surrounded. During this battle I held my position close to the house as some Confederates had done but was never in any fear of being slaughtered as some were 145 years ago in August 1864. Private Sam Waters in the front ranks of the 7th Pennsylvania stood in his stirrups as he overtook a mounted Confederate and raised his saber. The Confederate rider threw his arm up to ward off the blow. The Federal blade flashed, cutting off his hand at the wrist. Another blow nearly severed the man's head from his body. When the guns fell silent, Taps was played and then spectators visited the camps and vendor's - there were at least 12 food vendors with several offering period correct fare. By late afternoon the sun was in full radiance and the crowd refilled the "tator" line to watch the replay of the inglorious Battle of Cheatham's Hill. As was before, the Union battered itself against the hill topped with long curving trenches cut into the red Georgia dirt. These trenches were filled with roaring reenactors and topped off with logs and brush. This photographer donned his farmer suit and captured wonderful action on the Confederate left flank that I am sure was mostly hidden from view by the rolling terrain but I figure was the best of the battle. And I'm not saying that because I found some Florida boys defending over there ... well ... maybe. Late into the battle as the Union collected itself for one more charge up the steep embankment a pair of stretcher bearers came by. They had not a bit of interest in helping the fake wounded for their stretcher was full of ice cubes and all happily grabbed for a bit of coolness - Union and Rebel alike. A handful shoved under the hat revived all who partook. One of the greatest benefits that the reenactors enjoy on this site is the air conditioned hall where the period ball is held on Saturday night. And around back of the hall are showers! A luxury rarely enjoyed by the period campers. The Hall was well lit and the participants were fed cake and pastry and punch. A most curious guest dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow was surrounded and escorted to the door after making his presence too noticeable. As the saying goes, it takes all kinds to make the world go round. The Dance was well attended and the entertainment by the 97th Regimental String Band was superb. A long but wonderful day for the reenactors that had come from sundry area's with names like Texas, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York, Maryland, Michigan, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Georgia. Sunday came too quickly but featured a long battle based on action around the Troup-Hurt house. After the Yankee's were chased from the hilltop I lowered my camera and began to walk from the "tator" line to my vehicle, intent on beating the rush. The shooting didn't stop so I turned and realized the Union boys were not beaten - but racing back up to take control of the house and hilltop once again. Must have been taking a break (or more likely this is a battle I need to study better).
Some other things to note; There were 2 groups that came long distance - Crofts Light Artillery from Odessa Texas and The 3rd Texas Cav. . Both units were at the original battle. Archeologist were on site when the trenches were dug to protect any artifacts found by the donated backhoe. The house was disassembled by the Atlanta History Center for use in an upcoming event. Profits totaling $7100 were donated to 3 entities in the area. 1. Henry County 2. Henry County Parks and Rec Dept. 3. Nash Farms Battlefield. The latter organization also received all extra supplies such as firewood and hay that was left over. Estimates of 1400 to 2500 spectators over 3 days were given. Atlanta Campaign Inc has Event Medals available for $5. Mail to Earl Zeckman - 3929 Pine Gorge Circle - Dacula, GA 30019. I thank Earl Zeckman for help with some facts for this article and thanks to Atlanta Campaign and Nash Farms for putting on a wonderful event. |
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The Movies listed below are posted in 4 sizes. If you find your computer waiting too long for a movie to load & play - try a smaller size. |
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Click the links above to watch the mpgs from this event. |
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For additional reenacting information go to |
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All content contained here is the property of Wes Mayhle and CIVILWARP.com except where noted and is protected by copyright laws. |
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