National Civil War Re-enactment to bring 12,000 reenactors, 135 cannon and 400 horses to Gettysburg

05-10-2013

  

Annual event will be held July 4-7 at Redding Farm

 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – May 10, 2013

 

This summer’s 150th Gettysburg Anniversary National Civil War Battle Reenactment, July 4-7, is poised to be one of the highlights on a large menu of events in Gettysburg during 2013.

 

This event is the one that re-enactors and visitors have been talking about and eagerly awaiting for years. Re-enactors and visitors are coming from all over the world to participate and attend this landmark re-enactment, which unfolds at the Redding Farm on 1085 Table Rock Road, Gettysburg.

 

More than 12,000 re-enactors – 300 of which are registered from 16 foreign countries - are anticipated at this annual event. More than 30,000 visitors have already purchased tickets from 18 different countries. Between 60,000-90,000 visitors are expected to attend over the four-day period.

 

There will be more than 400 horses, 135 full-size cannon with 10 horse-drawn, and two major battles each day, a stimulating large living history area with more than 700 living historians, explosive pyrotechnics and military camps that are open to the public.

 

First-day action on Thursday, July 4 includes “The Devils to Pay” and “Crossroads of Destiny.” The cavalry battle at Hunterstown, Pa. called “Springing the Trap” and “A Bloody Harvest” will depict ferocious fighting in the Wheatfield and will be among the highlights on Friday, July 5. Saturday, July 6 features three battles. J.E.B. Stuart and his cavalry arrive on the battlefield in “We Have No Time.” “Hold the Line,” and “Thundering Hell” will portray the action at Little Round Top and East Cemetery Hill. On Sunday morning, July 7, the cavalry opens up the action with “Come on You Wolverines,” a re-creation of the East Cavalry Field battle.

 

Despite the size, scripting, pyrotechnics and deployment of troops, horses and cannon on the field for all nine battles, one battle on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. is the iconic highwater mark of the American Civil War. Everyone awaits and talks about Pickett's Charge, marking the July 3, 1863 assault where row upon row of Confederates under Gen. Robert E. Lee advanced into the face of a Union inferno.

 

Thousands of visitors on Sunday, July 7 will have the lifetime experience of viewing Pickett's Charge from only yards away, but this year, the re-enactment is also sharing the July 7 afternoon event with audiences at home with live-streaming directly to computers, tablets and smartphones. A four-month subscription to the Gettysburg Battlecast is available for $12.99 and includes the live-streaming event, daily re-enactment clips, interviews and highlights of the four-day event for those who sign up before July.

 

Previews of Battlecast can be viewed at www.gettysburgbattlecast.com.

 

Additionally, a DVD – directed by renowned historical documentary filmmaker Rob Child – will be filmed on location at the re-enactment. The DVD will be released in November 2013 and mailed to purchasers.

 

A portion of event proceeds will benefit several organizations, including the Seminary Ridge Museum - Gettysburg, Land Conservancy Of Adams County, the restoration of historic Sachs Mill Covered Bridge, SGT MAC Foundation/National Wreath Project and Adams County Historical Society.

 

The 150th Gettysburg Anniversary National Civil War Battle Reenactment has been designated as the official re-enactment of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Special recognition by the organizers and the State of Pennsylvania will be given to re-enactors attending the event who were registered participants for the 100th Anniversary Reenactment in 1963.

 

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