Birney's Division 2d Battalion News

Friday, May 11, 2007

After-Action Report: Jackson in the Valley, Beaver Creek 2007

Finally, a new reenacting event worth writing about! As reeanctors, we always hear the inevitable, "You should have been there..." and in the case of Beaver Creek, that summed it up. If you didn't make it to Jackson in the Valley last weekend... YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE!!!

In an effort to get some "new blood" into the Ohio events, Maj Wayne Unger and his Confederate hospital detachment from the DNV/PACS were approached by the Friends of the Ohio State Parks to bring the Civil War to an out-of-the way place called Beaver Creek. This quiet part of the Ohio State Park system features a working grist mill and other original buildings that join with a wooded countryside to create the perfect scenery for a Civil War conflict.

As the Federal commander for the event, I arrived as early on Friday as possible. After signing in, I headed to the area that we had been assigned to camp. I found to my delight a wonderful grove of tall pine trees that was a welcome contrast to the usual open field that reenactors have come to expect. This was perfect for a bivouac setup as if the battalion had just arrived and pitched our tents where we stopped our march. Across the road, the family groups also found a nice spot along the banks of the swift Beaver Creek. Water, wood, and straw were easy to access.

As Friday progressed, the troops rolled in. Everyone had a smile on their face as they took in the landscape. I was clearly not the only one happy with the venue for this new event. With camps well in hand, I took some time to walk through the park's town and get an idea of how the military engagements might unfold. The great thing about the site is that you could have five battles during the weekend and never in the same spot or type of terrain.

A cool night was spent sleeping in camp and we were greeted by clear sunny skies in the morning. The smell of coffee and bacon filled our pine grove as sleepy troops fell in for roll call. By 9 am, dress parade and drill were underway. The rust from a long winter was shaken off. Members of the 66th OVI represented the boys in blue at the bayonet drill competition and one proud member took home a nice trophy!

Run! Here comes Birney's Division!!

The battle Saturday afternoon took place in the town as the Confederate General Battalion (Lee, Jackson, Stuart, and Forrest) held a war council. Col Essig's pickets started popping off rounds as 2d Battalion marched toward the town. We split forces and chased them out and onto a field above the mill pond. Regrouping, they smashed back into our troops and gave us a good bloody nose. Unfortunately for the Rebs, they ran into the other half of our battalion in reserve. You could hear their breaks squeal as they had a "where did they come from" moment, and the battle continued as we ground up the Confederates. The day went to the Union. The ladies and kids had a great time as well, getting the opportunity to portray the citizens of the town caught in the fires of war.

Saturday night saw many a grin in camp expressing an exciting and entertaining day. A dance was held at the main barn and was well attended.

After another cool night, the Park folks treated all reeanctors to a pancake and sausage breakfast. This satisfied our bellies and units went about their usual Sunday morning duties. With the tight schedule and a noon battle, your humble colonel won big points by scrubbing the Sunday morning dress parade.

2d Battalion left camp and made our way to a wooded cross roads to see if Essig's men could be located. Once napping in the trees, we were alerted that the Rebs are coming at us from two sides. With part of the battalion on the high ground at our flank, the main body of our force focusing on the Confederate infantry to our front. We drove their flanking infantry off of the hill, but a long slow fight, with the Confederates using trees as cover, they chewed up our troops. With both sides running low on powder, the Rebs held their own and the day.

I will have to say that this was one of the best events I have been to in Ohio. The ground was great, the hosts really bent over backward for us, and the weather was beyond perfect. A tip of the cap to Wayne Unger and his unit for doing a fantastic job on their very first event. I know I am looking forward to next year already.

YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE!

Lt Col Smith
Commanding, 2d Battalion
Birney's Division

Posted by CL Smith @ 1:32 PM

Friday, May 11, 2007

After-Action Report: Jackson in the Valley, Beaver Creek 2007

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