Civil War at Hanna’s Town

This weekend at Historic Hanna’s Town was the first annual Civil War encampment.  I was so excited to be a part of all the activities! 

The day started with a parade of all the regiments and the reenactors.  There were activities for the kids, and games, and junior soldier brigades.  There was also a lot of firing of guns and cannons.  Collections and demonstrations and encampments were mostly interactive.

There were three authors with their books, including me. I was very excited that I sold four Letters to Mary books and one Fields of Blue book. Mary’s wedding dress and Lydia’s church dress got a lot of attention.  The food and bake sale tables were very welcome – especially with warm temperatures coupled with  cold water bottles! There was even a little green larva crawling up the tree – aspiring to be a moth!

One of my favorite displays was the field hospital.  For my research for Letters to Mary I read about several soldiers who had lost limbs in a battle.  There was a wheel-barrow piled with discarded arms and legs.  Although it was party repulsive, it was also very informative and compelling. 

I met several interesting and entertaining people, and enjoyed the mock battle in the open field.  The cannons were very loud, and the soldiers from both the north and south died admirably!  Of course our side won the battle.  But I ask you:  Which side is ‘our’ side??? 🙂