The Forgotten Conflict - War of 1812

It was a precarious time in our nation's history....not yet a true union but a group of states acting independent (How magnanimous!). I've found the War of 1812 to be a turning point in our young nation's history. It's funny how wars typically mark the turning points within a nation's history. For the United States, we begin with the American Revolution, followed by the American Civil War, etc, etc. But wait, what about the War of 1812? For that matter, what about the Mexican War (another topic for another day). Go to the War of 1812 Bicentennial Website (http://www.visit1812.com/) for all the juicy details. Talk amongst yourselves while I go find my topper! Huzza!

He looks familiar......

As I was sitting around with my shipmate, Mike Williams, at Moore's Creek on Saturday, Mike began noting how certain people, either other reenactors or the public, looked like certain actors in the movies he had watched. What a peculiar way to pass the time when we weren't engaging the public about the wares we had displayed before us. There was a gentlemen who resembled someone in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Another lady could have passed for Meryl Streep. Then I pointed out that our militia captain closely resembled Mel Gibson's dog-eating compadre from the Patriot. Of course, there is the fact that I resemble George Costanza that no one seemed to mention. See what kind of fun we living historians have at events?

It's Moore's Creek or bust this weekend....

Well, for the third consecutive weekend, I'm off to fight the war (as some of my non-reenacting friends say). This weekend finds me at Moore's Creek (Currie, NC) for the commemoration of the battle fought there at the beginning of the American Revolution. Patriotic North Carolinians led by the likes of James Moore, Richard Caswell and Alexander Lillington went up against Loyalist North Carolinians led by Donald McCleod and John Campbell. Let's just say that it didn't go very well for the Loyalists as a great number of them were armed with broadswords. For more info about the battle, the site and this weekend's event, go to: http://www.nps.gov/mocr/ . I'll be falling in with the gracious folks of the 6NC portraying patriot militia. I will also be hanging out with my buddy, pal and rum aficionado, Mike Williams, who will be portraying either a sailor or a surgeon, depending on how the mood strikes him. Hopefully, I will also get to shoot the park's swivel gun which is representing Mother Covington's Daughter, Richard Caswell's 1/2 pounder swivel gun. Gotta luv some black powder!

Walking back in time....

This past weekend, I spent a very relaxing, but busy weekend with my crew at Fort Anderson/Brunswick Town State Historic Site. We visit the site every February, portraying Confederate sailors doing duty as torpedo operators. Every year I visit the site, I am amazed at the Fort's condition as the majority of the Fort looks like it did over 140 years ago. I also love this site as has it chosen to interpret ACW torpedoes (mines) and has this awesome display inside with several replicas of infernal machines on display. Said display was designed by my mentor and friend, "Evil" Mike Kochan, who is one of the experts on this type of warfare (What is thy bidding, my master!).

I also found some time Sunday morning to explore the colonial portion of the site and was amazed at the excavated ruins of multiple buildings that date back prior to the American Revolution. What's really neat is that they have identified the structures and have interpretive signs telling you who, what, when and where (for more info on the site, go to: http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/Sections/HS/brunswic/brunswic.htm). The other neat thing about the site is that embattled Colonial Governor, Josiah Martin, high-tailed it out of the area on board the HMS Cruizer which actually picked him up here. I think its time for the "Royal Navy" to visit again........All hands on deck!

This day in history.....

A couple of things caught my eye today that happened on this day in history. Enjoy!

1790 - George Washington delivers the first State of the Union Address address in New York City. (Wonder if we can clone him......the bunch we have running now couldn't stand in his shadow)

1815 - War of 1812: Battle of New Orleans - Andrew Jackson leads American forces in victory over the British. (Huzzah! Huzzah!)

1835 - The United States national debt is 0 for the first time. (Doubt that will ever happen again)

2008 - Joe Gibbs resigns as head coach and team president of my beloved Washington Redskins (Let the mourning begin!!!!)

Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night!

My favorite holiday is finally here! The parties, events and trips to the mall are done. For every person on my list, I have searched near and far for the perfect gift. For 24 hours, starting about 6 pm tonight, family will be central with Mom's big Christmas Eve party tonight (and a bit of cards and rum for the boys at my home), lunch on Christmas Day at my Grandmother's (there's over 80 folks!), ending with Christmas Evening with my sister, brother-in-law and nephew (Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Does whatever a spider can!). However, this time of the year means even more as we celebrate the birth of someone that caused quite a stir in his day but as he lived, gave us an example of how we should live our lives every day. It's also about family and friends, about relationships both new and old. It's a time to reflect on both the past year and the year yet to unfold. It's about looking back and counting your blessings and giving thanks for both answered and unanswered prayers. Yes, Christmas is very special for so many reasons. To everyone, I wish for you a Very, Merry Christmas and hope the jolly fat man (not me but the man in the red suit!) is good to you!

I'm dreaming of a Halifax Christmas......

Well, actually I haven't been dreaming of a Halifax Christmas but did get the opportunity to experience it as the 5NC Regiment of the Continental Line (with a few guests) participated in Historic Halifax's Annual Christmas festivities this past Saturday. First off, I must say that we were provided one of the most outstanding backdrops anyone could ask for as they allowed us to make the "Tap Room" our headquarters for the day (the Tap Room is an actual tavern, circa 1760-1810, that has been recreated complete with tables, chairs and a period-correct bar). We conducted musket and swivel gun demonstrations on the Market Square (which actually served as the parade ground during the American Revolution) with myself, Andrew Duppstadt and Will Jarman and Myron Ralston manning the swivel gun while Bill Barber, Ken Sewell, Myron Ralston (serving double-duty) and our good friend from the 6NC, Hank Brown, took care of the musket duties. Inside the Tap Room, we set up a recruiting table, played games while Chris Barber (one of our distaff) displayed an excellent selection of dishes that would have been prepared during the American Revolution for Christmas. The crowds were a bit light (100 or so visitors) but they seemed to be interested in our presentations as they were not bashful about asking questions. This being our first visit to Historic Halifax, I see no reason that we won't be back. The site staff were extremely helpful and very gracious and it is not often you get to play in a sandbox such as we were blessed with Saturday. What a way to start the Christmas holidays!