Page News & Courier
Heritage and Heraldry
Virginians get to your posts for Gettysburg's 135th Anniversary Reenactment
Article of June 25, 1998
Civil War reenactors don't have to worry too much about minie balls, cannon balls, grape shot, canister, being captured, losing a limb or life or even typhoid and other camp related diseases. However, it is an experience to don a uniform similar to that worn by an ancestor and to endure at least a weekend remembering in a unique way, the "late war of unpleasantries." There are no barbeque grills, telephones, ovens, refrigerators, televisions or computers. It is just down to earth good clean living history.
That's what its all about this July for certain. At the release of this news clip, good citizens from throughout America (and in fact the world) are scrambling to muster with their local units to serve in what is anticipated to be the largest reenactment of a Civil War battle in the 20th century. In fact, the local Page County reenacting unit designated as Co. H, 58th Virginia Infantry will be heading for Gettysburg this coming fourth of July weekend. The 58th, with several members from Page, will be just a handful a people among the over 16,000 individuals already registered for the event. In the upcoming heated action, soldiers in Blue and Gray will reenact all three days of the famous battle that will include cavalry, artillery, and masses of infantry. Civilian activities will also occur throughout the large encampment. "We will be reenacting most of the key elements of the battle" say 58th Virginia members and Luray residents Charles Burner and Floyd Campbell. "From July 1st through July 5th, the scenarios covered will include First Contact, Little Round Top, Culp's Hill and The Wheatfield, as well as a proposed full-scale Pickett's Charge. For further information regarding the reenactment itself, call the 24 hr information line at 908-903-1064. However, if your one who enjoys surfing the "Net" to obtain information, try the 135th Gettysburg Anniversary web site at http://www.gettysburg.com/reenactment/index.htm.
While its a little late to obtain all of the uniform items necessary to participate and register as a reenactor, Campbell adds, "if your going to make this one as a spectator, you better make plans now. There may never be another event this large again in this century." For those who wish to find more information regarding joining the 58th Virginia for future events, both Floyd Campbell and Charles Burner may be reached at [email protected] and [email protected] respectfully. Otherwise, check-out the unit's web site at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/1850/patrickgrays.html.
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