Battle of Selma, 150 years later

[Telcontar]

My in-laws and cousins are deep into the re-enactment hobby. My FIL, a history teacher, has 22 uniforms (both Union and Confederate), rifles, hats, sabers, etc. This year, being the 150th anniversary, it was epic. They had as many cannons as were used in the actual battle and about 1300 re-enactors from across the country show up.

The living history aspect was awesome. What really made it special was this year my son has jumped into it and carried the National Emblem for one if the Union regiments. Since he is only 9, he had limited options, either be color bearer or canteen carrier; Alabama rules say he can't carry a weapon until he is 14.

So much history on display, but I thank God I live in the age of porcelin toilets and air conditioning.

http://battleofselma.com/?page_id=10509

[1939]

1. MG James H. Wilson is almost forgotten among Civil War generals.

Wilson assisted MG George Thomas in breaking John Bell Hood's CSA army in front of nashville in 1864, then in 1865 led a cavalry blitzkrieg through Alabama which totally broke Nathan Bedford Forest's defense of the state (battle of Selma was only a part). Wilson thus rampaged through the "central south" ending his war by capturing CSA president Jeff Davis on his route to escape to Texas.

[Journeyman]

2. Color bearer was one of the most important figures on a Civil War battlefield. . .

Many a Medal of Honor winner in that conflict was recognized for actions revolving around their regiment's standard or the capture of an enemy flag.

For those unfamiliar with the importance, take a look at the smoke in the pictures above. Now multiply that a hundred-fold for the tens of thousands engaged in these battles, add in a din of noise louder than most anything you've ever heard before (cannon fire at Gettysburg was distinctly heard at Harrisburg, 40 miles distant), and try to imagine the awful carnage all around, and you have an inkling of how important the sight of your flag would be as it guided you across the battlefield. When a standard bearer went down, men leapt to take up the colors, even though it made them a mark for every rifle and cannon they faced. And to wrestle the enemy's flag from their grasp, and carry it away, was not only demoralizing to their troops, it left them without a point of attack, and often caused them to turn back.

[ashling]

6. My great grandmother

used to tell my dad about the sound of the siege guns at Vicksburg. She was about 16 and lived in Monroe Parrish LA - I am not sure how far away they were. Monroe is probably 100 miles.

[Gman]

3. It must have been emotional as well as awe inspiring

to witness what was likely a very realistic reenactment. I would love to have been there.

[Telcontar]

5. It wasnt just the battle either

They also had what are called Settlers, craftsmen and the like who display and demonstrate tools, products, and life in general. Many women dress in the hoop skirts and bonnets (my wife refuses to do so anymore :-[ )

Very neat, but I'm a 21st C fan. I don't think I would have survived long back then.

[Gman]

4. And one more comment

The frontal assault became obsolete when rifles became common in warfare at least 150 years or so before. But it's usage continued due to probably military custom more than anything else. The British were defeated largely by what became known a guerrilla tactics. The British felt that tactic was ungentlemanly and cowardly.