Historic Halifax - A Place to Watch

Historic Halifax is such a great site! It's history is rich with its beginnings in the Colonial period all the way to the 1860's where it played host to the completion of the CSS Albemarle, arguably one of the Confederacy's most successful ironclads. The Carolina Living History Guild, in the form of the 5NC and a member of its ship's company, enlightened the public Saturday as part of the annual Halifax Resolves Commemoration and the ribbon-cutting for the newly-renovated 1828 era Jail. We were joined by our compatriots from the Detached Hospital, Mike Williams and John LaRosa, by Hank Brown of the 6NC and by Dr. Larry Babits of ECU in his 1st Maryland garb. With exception of the afternoon rain which cut out afternoon musket and swivel gun demonstrations, the day went very, very well. Approximately 450 or so people entered our web as we weaved our tales.

Dr. Babits brought with him his living history class who all participated in interpreting at various locales around the site. He also took out some time to impart his wisdom to our merry little band. He has forgotten more than I or any other member of the bunch knows. I guess he should...he's been doing this since '67....before I was born!

Our very own Dr. Mike introduced me to a 1500's handgun, that if I had the cash, I probably would have bought, if nothing else but to terrorize the crew of the Albemarle replica at the upcoming Battle of Plymouth event (more on that later!) and to have fun with on New Year's Eve. It did stay in the extended family as Hank Brown traded the dear doctor for a small sword. Mike also swapped Mo Bass for a '61 Springfield and a revolver for a de-farbed Charleville. Mo has no excuse now to quit wearing all that red and start wearing his Patriotic clothing more often!

Seriously though, the site has so much potential and is getting quite a bit of attention (finally). The Historic Site Division director said he hopes that the Resolves program will expand into a bigger event and start developing other parts of its history. I think he has the right idea as its proximity to I95 and the new theater complex should help its visitation and donations to its support group to help fund further growth.

Another project at the site is the proposed monument to NC's Continental Lines. This is very appropriate as all NC regiments passed through Halifax on their way to their assigned destinations. Hank Brown of the 6NC has taken the reigns of the project and is working on putting together a steering committee along with the funding to make this happen. Keep a look out for further information on this specific project coming to Historic Halifax soon!

All in all, a great time was had by all!