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Valley Forge. The very name conjures images of ragged, shivering patriots gathering around an open fire
in the dead of a snow filled winter.
This year, with HISTORICON’s move to the Valley Forge Convention Plaza, it only seems logical to
have some living history historians (a.k.a. – re-enactors) from the period of the American
Revolutionary War on hand. Manning display booths will be representatives from recreated American,
British, and German military re-enactment units. Take a few minutes out of your busy day to stop by
and ask them some questions about their uniforms, weapons, and tactics.
Well-done living history units can be a great source of information. First-rate re-enactment units
usually do lots of detailed historical research about their recreated unit’s uniforms, weapons,
history, and tactics. They are often concerned (sometimes obsessed) with the details of buttons, buckles,
clothing, and equipment of the unit they are recreating. These are the same things that are of wargamers
interested in the period as well. Living history units often get their research materials from some of
the best first person sources available, such as diaries, troop returns, orderly books, and deserter
descriptions. They also often work with historic sites where their units were based or fought. Much of
their kit is actually based on things found during archeological digs, and from famous militaria collections,
both private and public.
No doubt many of these re-enactors would also like to try to recruit a few of you for their ranks as well.
The hobby of re-enacting the American Revolutionary War finds many of these units participating at such famous
historic sites such as Monmouth, Guilford Court House, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg. There are many
national and local Revolutionary War events, some probably very close to where you live. National events have
seen as many as 2,000+ men and women take the field to recreate a little history, complete with infantry,
artillery, and cavalry. It is an exciting experience to participate in such an event, where for a few minutes,
when the sunlight is just right glinting off the long line of bayonets, with silk flags snapping in the breeze,
and the smoke form a thousand muskets blanketing the field of battle, that everything comes together to create
that magic moment that allows you to just glimpse what it must have been like to march into some of the most
famous battles in our nation’s history.
In talking with the re-enactors, you may be surprised to learn that some of the well-held legends surrounding
the war are just that – more myth than fact. For instance, did you know that the British rarely fought
in closed ranks of fighting shoulder to shoulder, but instead preferred to move in loose, fast moving formations?
Or that without French aid, in the form of money, clothes, and weapons – and perhaps more importantly,
an entire fleet of warships – that America might not have won the war? Did you know that most British
officers were actually from the opposition party (Whigs) to the one in power (Tories), and were very sympathetic
to the rebel cause – even many of the Guards officers? So don’t be afraid to stop by, chat with our
guests, as they love to talk about the period, their unit, and most likely military history in general.
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