Blountsville Civil War Reenactment

We take a trip to nearby Blountsville to get a little glimpse
of what life was like during the "War of Northern Agression" :-)

The participants not only dressed in period costumes, they did everything as authentically as possible.
Stepping onto the battlefield and the surrounding camp sites felt like stepping right back to the 1860s.

One Sunday in April we decided to do church a little differently. Down in Blountsville, Alabama, about 45 minutes south of Huntsville, there was a Civil War reenactment going on. The event was designed to recall the "Forrest-Streight Raid" which occured there in April of 1863. As part of the weekend, they were holding a traditional outdoor church service, complete with "Sacred Harp" singing, and a good old-fashioned time of preaching. We decided that sounded pretty interesting, so we packed up and headed down. The weather was gorgeous, the singing was awesome, and the whole set-up for the battle was most impressive. After the service, we were able to wander through the camping areas, and across the battlefield, talking to participants as we went. Sacred Harp singing at the outdoor service 14 year-old Sergeant Tommy told us all about his family's cannon, and their hobby of participating in reenactments. Even the little guys get into the act.

The camp sites, uniforms, horses, and attention to every detail combined to give the whole event an almost surreal sense of realism. Practicing drills before the battle Some things are timeless,...

Philip with the 1st Alabama Cavalry Company, a unit of Alabama men
fighting for the Union. Not a popular group in these parts.