2002 Civil War Weekend / Danbury / Forts Folle Avoine

The Battles:

        Saturday  11 A.M.

"Raid on Reams Station"

        In June, 1864, during the long seige of Petersburg, Federal forces attempted to cutoff Lee's supply lines by capturing and destroying the Weldon Railroad.  At the start of the campaign, Federal Cavalry raided along the line and destroyed tracks and property, advancing as far as Ream's Station.

        We will be reliving this raid with Federal Cavalry attacking and setting fire to railroad property, skirmishing with the small rebel garrison there and taking prisoners.

"All mounted cavalry will be asked to galvanize  to Federal'  for this scenario."

        Saturday  3 P.M.

"Battle of the Weldon Railroad"

        In August of 1864, the final battle for control of the Weldon Railroad occured at Ream's station, two months after it was initially raided by Federal Cavalry the first time (morning battle).  This was a large battle and involved Indian troops of the 36th Wisconsin and others.  Federal forces under Hancock advanced down the line from Petersburg to the North and pushed to the area around Reams Station.  Confronted by Confederate forces, which outnumbered them, the Union troops dug in and a pitched battle ensued.

        We sill be reliving this fight with many exciting features for reenactors and the public.  The battle will be augmented by pyrotechnics and additional special effects.  We are meticulously re-creating a section of the Weldon's main line in full scale, along with real railroad equipment of the period, station buildings, telegraph lines and props, based on our Knowledge of Reams Station.  You won't want to miss this battle ! !

        Sunday 2 P.M.

Shermans March to the Sea

        Sherman's March to the Sea following his taking of Atlanta was called the first "total war" and was unlike anything the South had experienced prior to it.  The Union army cut a wide swath of destruction from Atlanta to the sea.  Overwhelmed Confederate forces were helpless to stop the 'blue tide'  although there were battles and skirmishes along the way.

        We will be reliving this horrible phase of Sherman's campaign when U.S. troops come upon and destroy railroad tracks, turning them into the famous "Sherman's bowties" by twisting rails around trees, they will burn buildings, take prisoners, liberate slaves, cut telegraph lines, and, yes, fight a battle with the defending Rebel troops.

        This scenario will concentrate on the 2nd  Minnesota Volunteer Infantry whose indian members cleared out Rebel sharpshooters who had been killing Federal officers and pickets.   This one is not to be missed ! !