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Battle of Anderson Reenactment
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
In 2009, the American Festivals Project traveled to rain-soaked Honea Path, South Carolina, to witness a Civil War reenactment of the Battle of Anderson. The original skirmish occurred when Union and Confederate soldiers crossed paths weeks after Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in Appomattox, Virginia, on April 9, 1865. The exact location of the fight in Anderson County is unknown, but in recent years the small town of Honea Path has drawn professional and amateur historians who strive to re-create the battle as authentically as possible.
Read more about the Civil War Battle of Anderson Reenactment on the American Festivals Project blog.
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Reenactors
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
For three days, reenactors take part in events such as company drills, artillery demonstrations, and, of course, the big affair—the Battle of Anderson reenactment.
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Young Reenactor
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Civil War reenactments draw young and old, and sometimes entire families.
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Reenactor
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
"We love the camping and the cooking on the fires," says this participant. "What I like about it most is being with my son and doing things with him. It's a family deal."
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Gen. Robert E. Lee Reenactor
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Speaking as celebrated Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, this reenactor said, "We're fighting for our right to govern ourselves and live our lives the way that we want to live 'em. Now we're fighting this war of unpleasantness and war for our freedom."
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Reenactor
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Key to capturing the spirit of the past is wearing only historically accurate clothing and avoiding anything "farby"—or anachronistic—such as digital watches or plastic-frame eyeglasses.
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Reenactor
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Many participants traveled from places as far away as Kingsport, Tennessee, to take part in the three-day event.
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Battle Reenactment
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Gray skies and soggy ground lessened this reenactment's numbers, bringing out only the hardiest.
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Ready for Battle
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Armed and mounted, reenactors line up for battle.
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Reenactor Getting Ready
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Historical accuracy is important for reenactors—down to the type of tent in which they shelter.
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Reenactor
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
"This is something I really like and enjoy doing," says reenactor Wayne Bradford of Walhalla, South Carolina. "[The reenactors] are like your extended family."
More American Festivals
American Festivals Project Videos
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