Battle of Ball's Bluff

On Saturday we attended the reenactment of The Battle of Ball's Bluff. If you are interested you can read more about it here

It was an amazing spectacle. I expected to only see a final charge, but the action went for a while with troop movement on all sides and multiple advances and retreats. It was fascinating to see what I've read about come to life in a very real way. 

Miriam was on my back in a back pack. Whenever the cannons were shot (which was pretty often) she'd kick her legs and yell Boom! Boom! then jabber away about it. Reuben was a little less certain about what was going on and demanded Aaron keep him on his shoulders to make sure no one got him. 

Reuben watching the Confederate troops assemble before the fight

Miriam in front of the union cannon line before the battle

Union line trying to hold the left ridge of the bluff

After the battle, they let spectators go onto the battlefield and talk to the re-enactors. Reuben demanded to talk to "the cannon men." His line of questioning went something like this:
How do you make the cannon go?
What do you press to turn it on?
What do you put in it?
How do you cut leaves?
Where are the ants from?

I think the joy of getting all his questions answered went to his head. The cannon guy did a wonderful job answering right up until the leaf question.

Confederates after the battle. The re-enactors were serious about authenticity. Even after the battle ended they tried to keep true to the period. I know this kid probably wished he was texting on his phone but instead I saw him pull out paper and a nub of a pencil to start writing a letter.

All the guys we talked to were really friendly and did a wonderful job explaining their outfits, weapons, views on history and so on. I was in heaven. It was a lot of fun.

Union troops after the battle

This guy was great. He was super friendly and let the kids touch his uniform, try to lift his sword, wear his hat etc. 

Here's Aaron and some young confederates teaching Reuben how to load a gun with powder.

 After the event we enjoyed walking in the perfect weather and beautiful countryside.

Reuben identified some artillery wagons from about 300 yards away and wanted to go check them out. Miriam and Reuben had fun climbing all over them and dancing on top. 

 It reminded me of this picture. A year ago in November we were at Antietam. They've sure grown up.

Next year in September we are going to Antietam for the 150th anniversary. There's going to be a reenactment held at that time which I really hope we can attend.