U.S.S. Fort Henry Living History Unit

The U.S.S. Fort Henry's "Naval Compound" (rev. 3/6/08)

      Perhaps one of the most interesting sites at events is our "Navy Compound" (camp site). At events where we have a good member participation, we set up a camp separate from the Union Army "streets" but near or adjacent to their perimeter. (This shows unification with the Union troops, but maintains a definite different in the services.)

     In order to stake out our compound area, we find a large enough space and set up a perimeter line using posts and manila rope to encircle the camp. We leave a gap in the front for our boarding deck.

     Just inside by the ramp we have the corporal of the guard's tent. In one quarter of the camp we have the civilian area. (There are a number of instances along the coastal islands off Florida where the U.S. Navy was charged with transporting and protecting "Unionists," civilians loyal to the United States.)

   The civilian area is where family members can stay nearby the crew. Some family members even camp over and provide much needed and enjoyed meals. On occasions the men break out the music instruments and provide some sea shanties for enjoyment of everyone.

Marines and sailors by the boarding ramp.

Marines and sailors by the boarding ramp.

     Next we have the officers tents, enlisted fly (with arms rack) and aligned on one side of the camp we have the enlisted pup tents. In the center of the camp we have the fire pit and the mast.

     As not to offend the Army's regulations of no U.S. flag on a tall staff near the federal camp, we fly our ensign (13 star boat flag) on a short staff at the command tent, and fly the Navy Battalion Infantry Flag on the mast. Also on the mast we fly two signal flags, the red "powder being loaded" and black and white "commanding officer not present" flags. By the boarding deck we fly a 13 star navy jack.

     Not only do we have a unique camp layout, we also have a variety of activities held in camp. During peak "event" hours, we mount a guard and naval follow bell time. Spectators are invited into camp for a tour and equipment demonstrations. We also use the area for training in manual of arms, as well as cutlass and bayonet drills. Select "Navy compound drawing" for a layout drawing of our typical camp.

A popular site (left) for photographers is our rifle rack located on the side of the enlisted fly. The U.S.S. Fort Henry's hand carved sign stands by the gang plank to identify the unit to visitors:
Unit Sign

The "Civilian" quarters are shown in the next two photographs (below). As April cooks for the unit, it is a common site to see the hungry marines lined up for the great eats.

Something is usually on the camp fire, breakfast, lunch, diner, or perhaps coffee. The camp is kept orderly as explained above.

In addition to our usual activities we periodically have pay call. Rob, one of the sailors has a dual role, the second being that of the paymaster. We have reproduced period 1862 issue U.S. currency and distribute pay based on rank or ratings plus any "prize money" awarded for capture of enemy ships and goods.

U.S.S. Fort Henry	Living History Reenactors of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps portraying the sailors and marines as an infantry expeditionary force during the Civil War.

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