MORE COMMENTS ABOUT PAST BATTLE EVENTS

Send comments to: mrobbins@poleshift.org
FIRST MANASSAS/BULL RUN 2001--Leesburg

Given the limitations of the spectator viewing area, I saw as much as anyone could by walking around. The whole thing was kind of rushed though. One hour for the whole battle was a bit short. From my perspective, the best part of the battle was the cavalry action, in particular when the Confederate "Black Horse" cavalry attacked Union troops as they were approaching the area representing Henry House hill. One hundred-plus horsemen bearing down on infantry at a gallop was absolutely spectacular.

Looked at the end of the reenactment but couldn't locate you in the crowds. I was anxious to get back to Arlington ASAP but sat in the parking area for 2 hours before I could move. I was fairly close to the road everybody walked along to get into the event,but they blocked off the exit nearest the road and made everyone use the exit clear across the other side of the field. I knew I was in trouble the moment I walked into the parking area and saw a ocean of vehicles stretched out before me -- literally thousands of cars. I think the problem was probably beyond the event planners' control. The only exit to Route 15 was the road we all came in on, and the state police had to contend with all the regular traffic along Route 15. What a mess. Last night's local news said that about 200 people were treated for heat exhaustion on Saturday. That didn't happen to me, although I failed to fill my water bottle before I hit the parking lot and was dying of thirst by the time I got home Saturday evening. See you at Cedar Creek --Bruce Logan
FIRST MANASSAS/BULL RUN 2001--Leesburg

My view of Manassas event from a re-enactors point of view is one of irate disgust. Not pointing fingers , but whoever decided upon the parking arrangement for the re-enactors apparenting thought that NO ONE would have an emergency and have to leave the premises. My husband also a re-enactor was denied to follow me to the hospital behind the ambulance. I stayed in the hospital waiting room two hours after being discharged. He was told he was not to move his vehicle for any reason even after explaining that I was just taken to the hospital. On top of that the battle was not even ready to start.This issue should be addressed immediately. I will not attend an event;where I am prisoner. As a nurse I know first hand -as well as everyone else should--you DO NOT plan emergencies---- so you need to PLAN FOR them. It is a shame to think if I had of died with my asthma attack my husband would have not been notified till he arrived at the hospital 2 hours later.--Wendy Wilson
FIRST MANASSAS/BULL RUN 2001--Leesburg

Like thousands of others, we did get stuck in traffic at the end of the event because there was only one way in and out and because there were no/too few event staff in the parking area to point the way to an open exit and to help to keep lanes open and moving. However, compared to Grant vs Lee at Culpepper or Chancellorsville at Fort Pickett, the distance from handicapped parking to the battlefield and sutler's area and food was very convenient.

Except for having to stare into dozens of horses' asses during the beginning and end of the battle, the view was pretty equal for just about everyone, even though the distance from the spectator line to the battle-lines seemed much further than necessary, even allowing for the need to park those horses' asses. Granted, cavalry spends lots of money to be at an event. Still I just can't understand why they come as close to the spectators as they do, then just sit there like a wall looking and milling around around while the battle rages somewhere beyond their legs. Their so-called fighting is better seen from a distance anyway, because it is so obviously fake. No-one takes hits. They fight in an unrealistic and non-regulation manner. And even resort to extremely fake dueling with sabres. We pay a lot to be there too and we at least deserve to be able to see the action, especially when it is so far away so that one horse can block viewing of a hundred infantry.

Probably it was the heat, but, for a 1st Bull Run, the battle itself didn't show much drama or urgency or panic, even in the actions of the civilian re-enactors who were seated much closer to the action as the Federal troops were finally routed. Enough.--Dom R
FIRST MANASSAS/BULL RUN 2001--Leesburg

OUTSTANDING: Well planned, nice site for everyone. A little hot but, this is Virginia in August. Only local news was about 15sec on local Wash. DC TV, and they only covered the heat related problems not much on all the outstanding activities that were taking place. Those who attended had a good time. The PA system could be improved and during the down time waiting for theevent to start Civil War "MUSIC" could have been played. During the battle someone could have told us who, what was going on. At the activity tents some type of PA system was needed for guest speakers. Of the many reenactments that I have attended over the last 50 years this one at Leesburg was one of the best. --George Diering Laurel, Maryland
GETTYSBURG 2001

Gettysburg this July was the first reenactment I have attended, although I have been to the batlefield several times.I was not sure just what to expect so everthing was a first impression. I was there for all three days and found it a completely wonderful experience. I am sure that there are some who will complain about some things but over all it was great There are always some who will find fault for anything. The idea of the wristbands was good as reentering the grandstand area was made very convient. I figured that it would be hell to get in and out of the parking area; to my surprise, directions and parking workers kept all things moving. With all the workers so readily noticeable, any info needed was right there. The battle for Round Top was a bit hard to see due to it being at the far left of the area, but with field glasses I could see.

I have heard that there were approx 3000 reenactors and somewhere around 25,000 spectators there. I would think that the number ofspectators woud be per day. The entire bleacher section was filled duringthe action, and the ground seating was very crowded, along with colletaralpersons, family members , wives etc. that would not be catorgorized asspecifically a reenactor or spectator. I would think those numbers would beclose. Again overall I enjoyed the experience and am looking forward to other reenactments at other locations --Joe Rondeau
NEW MARKET 2001

Just back to Kingston, Ontario Canada after attending a rain drenchedNew Market Va. event. Actually left Sunday morning as rain fell. The10 hour drive one way, 20 total is still worth the trip. I have beenenjoying the hobby for 12 years. I have noticed lately that the costsof registration is climbing. I understand from a friend who hasre-enacted for 22 years I believe, that events were free for there-enactors and that spectators who don't have to purchase muskets,powder and kits are the ones who pay for entry. I do understand thatwater, portable toilets and straw need to be covered and am willing topay $5.00 or so. Other than that, and the Canadian peso, I hope tocontinue with this excellent hobby. -- Don Wood 10 LA.
CEDAR CREEK 2000 at Middletown VA

Attended Cedar Creek this weekend. Great Job all around from event staff to reenactors. Crowd was smaller than last year so view was much better. The 4K or so reenactors were absolutely great! What a show. Look forward to next year. ---Robert E. Smith
CHANCELLORSVILLE 2000 at Fort Pickett VA

Attended only one day (Saturday) missed first battle, for which I hear it was very foggy, and did not see much of the second as most of the battle took place in the woods and below the spectators view,a disappointing day after 8 hours round trip. ---Robert E. Smith
I am a reenactor with the 61st virginia, and I attended Chhncellorsville.I thought it was great!!!!!!!!!!!1--Anonymous
GETTYSBURG 2000

Was able to attend the Wheatfield reenactment at Gettysburg at the beginning of July and have the following commments you may wish to post on your Web site. This year's event, held at the Yeager (?) farm, was a definite improvement over last July's reenactment weekend. It featured approximately 500 infantry on each side, around 20 artillery pieces, and a limited cavalry contingent (30 - 40 reenactors on horseback). Although the entry price was still steep ($12 plus $4 more for a spot in the bleachers), there was no charge for parking, which, I believe, was an additional $5 last year.Because the Wheatfield reenactment was held late Saturday morning, it wasn't overly crowded, making it easy to view the action from any point along the spectator line -- negating the "value" of buying a grandstand seat. The action was fairly lively, with some explosive charges planted around and in the field set off during an initial artillery duel. The charges and countercharges across the field, with quite a bit of hand-to-hand combat, reflected the basic character of the original engagement. The narration that accompanied the action was helpful in understanding what was going on, but not particularly dramatic Perhaps one reason why I was pleased with what I saw was because it was a major improvement over last year's event, which couldn't have been worse. No doubt the weather helped -- sunny, mid 80s,versus lastyear's near-100 degree, high-humidity sweat box. Hope to see you both at the Chancellorsville event in September. --Bruce Logan
July 31, Aug 1 2000-- Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run at Centreville VA

This event was well managed: inexpensive ($10) on a large site with enough food, etc. But a very small re-enactor turnout (fewer than 300 by our count) limited the impact of the battle re-enactment, looking more like a small skirmish out in the middle of that large field. And, at least on Saturday, a spectator turnout of somewhat over 500 by our count. With a much larger re-enactor force, the site would have allowed lots of room for maneuver and good visibility from virtually any place along the spectator line. We hope the organizers are not discouraged and use the Bull Run Park again.
July 10, 11 1999-- Battle of Monocacy, 135th at Frederick MD

Well managed by Hugh Warner and inexpensive ($5). The reenactor turnout was several hundred, larger than Gettysburg 99. Since the field was somewhat shallow, it allowed good battle visibility from anywhere along the spectator line. The burnings of the barn and bridge were impressive. Our only complaint was use of the hated industrial strength chest-high plastic security fencing, which is like trying to look through an orange screen door from closeup. You had to fold it down if you sat on chairs. If you stood to see over it easily you ran the risk of blocking other people's view. Still, the event was well handled and well worth attending.
July 2, 3, 4 1999 -- GETTYSBURG 99--LAST FULL MEASURE GO TO Critique of event -- plus responses
June 18,19,20 1999 --135th GRANT vs LEE: 1864 at Culpepper VA GO TO Spectator comments about the event
Finally, some visitor comments about this website:

You have a very interesting website, to say the least. You seem to offer straight-up advice, and I suspect may even be seeking some. As introduction, I am a member of the committee that organizes one of the largest events in the upper Midwest, at Boscobel, WI. By Gettysburg standards, we are not large, but for the Midwest, we draw over 1,000 reenactors and 5,000 spectators, from across the US and Canada.First, I'm surprised that you have so limited your coverage. This has the potential to be a really good and needed service across the board for(Some easterners actually do travel west of Jersey. Second, it is almost as though you have a particular axe to grind. I can tell you there is way too much of that already in the reenactment community.  I should think you would be much more effective with less civility in your message. You could be driving away the very audience to which you are trying to cater.

Third, you are certainly correct about some of your observations are run by reenactors, seemingly for their enjoyment alone, to the exclusion of both spectators and other reenactors.We constantly battle the political BS, and have faced-down the threat to try to close our event by boy-cot.We ended up with our best ever, in spite of a monsoon rain one day. This year we are competing with Manassas. Some of our regular units will be going there, but we have found additional units and expect our event to be just as large as ever.Our philosophy is three fold, it must recognize the needs of the reenactor, the spectator, and the sutler with equal emphasis.We try to balance these needs, preserving authenticity within the encampment to the greatest extent practical. Our price remains at $3 per spectator, whichcovers about 1/3 of our costs, but we feel that the educational benefit is worth the additional fundraising efforts we must go through to sponsor the event.

Ours is a small community, which seems to transform to an 1860's setting for the weekend. We schedule activities all over town for the whole weekend, including a pie social and period military ball on main street on Saturday evening. I know, you may question the relevancy of a reenactment in a far-northern village. This was a rail-head rallying point for war recruits; we have a medal of honor recipient interred here, we have the last active GAR hall in theupper Midwest, our Hall has a captured confederate flag on display, our area was a hot-bed of copperhead anti-union sentiment, and our state was the source of the "IRON BRIGADE." And to be honest, it is simply a fun event in a pleasant scenic area for everyone who comes. We have had comments from people who attended Gettysburg, remarking on our extensive sutlery, and the far more accommodating grounds.

We always have a theme for our event.Some years it centers on Civil War events, other times on related items.This year it honors the 50th anniversary of the last encampment of the UCV. Last year we cited the 135th anniversary of the meeting of Grant and Lee at Appomattox;Our battle of Sailor's Creek was followed by an open stage scenario of the McLean house surrender; Not overly popular with our reenactors, but many spectators were in tears with the scene.So, you may be experiencing events which seem to snub their noses at spectators, but perhaps you need to broaden you outlook. As I mentioned earlier, I feel you have found a much-needed nitch. In your effort to retaliate against the political BS, you are perhaps narrowing you effectiveness. Good Luck in the future, and please keep us in mind if you ever make it west of PA. Our website is "http://www.boscobelwisconsin.com ---Ken and Marie Leifheit
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