Students Spend A Weekend In The Civil War

By Larissa Lytwyn

Scott Shpunt, 17, has always appreciated the authenticity and energy of battle scenes depicted in war films.

On the weekend of June 19–20, Scott and his twin sister Stacy had the opportunity to witness the grit and realism of the Civil War in a real-life reenactment in Goshen.

The two photographed “The Battle of Wadham’s Grove” hosted by Company H, 1st Maryland Infantry, part of Jackson’s Valley Campaign in Harrisonburg. Company H was part of the 6th Regiment, First Division of the Army of Northern Virginia, dubbed the “Liberty Greys.”  Reenactor Marc Bassos organized the event.

Some of Company H’s members, comprised of both military and civilian reenactors, have participated in the filming of Civil War epics including Glory, Gettysburg, and Gods and Generals.

Scott and Stacy’s journey to Goshen began through a simple Internet search on regional-area reenactments.

The two thought such an activity would be ideal for satisfying the travel/exploration component of the community service Congressional Medal award program.

Recently honored with the Congressional Bronze Medal, Scott and Stacy’s participation in “The Battle of Wadham’s Grove” allowed them to complete the hours necessary to attain the Congressional Silver Medal.

Stacy said they would receive their silver medals in a ceremony next summer.

“We just have to process the papers [recording our hours],” she said.

Taking part in “The Battle of Wadham’s Grove” as photographers, said Stacy, was a thrilling experience.

She said the pictures have already been sent to the Congressional Medal program.

“Of course, I’ve studied the Civil War through school,” she said, “but this event really made it come alive.”

More than 1,000 reenactors from across New England participated in the event.

The twins, dressed in 19th Century garb provided by one of the reenactors, loved taking pictures of everything from battles to dancing to cooking.

“I just wish there were more members of the public to see it,” said Stacy.

She said she loved meeting the different people involved in the reenactment.

“They were all ages,” she said, “a lot of families. Their knowledge of the Civil War was really impressive! They knew everything there was to know about it — down to the details of the individual battles.”

Scott said he loved watching the battle scenes and admired some of the “hardcore” reenactors who, as soldiers, slept in the bushes.

Women and children stayed in tents, cooking with 19th Century pots and pans over an open fire.

“They ate hardtack, which is a tough kind of bread,” said Stacy. “I really liked the costumes — the dresses the women wore during the ball dancing were so beautiful! I wished I had one!”

Authentic reproductions and even restored originals of military equipment were also used.

Scott said he would do a reenactment again without hesitation.

“I would really encourage the public to check it out,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun to watch, as well as to participate in!”

For more information, visit www.1stMaryland.com.