Battle of Resaca Civil War Reenactment to be held May 14-16

Experience the thunder of cannon at the 157th Anniversary Battle of Reseca Reenactment on May 14-16, 2021 at the original Reseca Battlefield in Reseca, Georgia. Each year on the third weekend in May, the GDRA and the Battle of Resaca, Inc., host the annual Battle of Reseca Reenactment. The event takes place on over 650 acres of the original battlefield and includes a battle on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Reenactment

The Battle of Resaca Reenactment is hosted each year by the many volunteers of the Georgia Division Reenactors Association, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected Civil War reenacting organizations. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Resaca Battlefield area preservation efforts, while the balance will go towards funding next year’s event.

The reenactment will again be held on the historic Chitwood Farm, a 650 acre section of the original battlefield, which in itself is a rare privilege. This farm hosted some of the heaviest fighting during the conflict. Two Federal soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for the capture of the Van den Corput’s four gun Confederate battery, whose earthworks are still preserved and intact after 150 years. Also evident within the property are the original Federal and Confederate entrenchments and the 1864 Western & Atlantic Railroad line located close to the present day camps and fields of battle.

As most participants are aware, many major improvements have been made during the past several events and our staff and volunteers are working to provide another quality event for Resaca. Again this year, scenarios are being planned from the research of William R. Scaife, a noted historian and author of Campaign for Atlanta. Both Saturday and Sunday’s battles will be held on the same field but with a different scenario – and maybe a surprise or two. Since 1999, the Battle of Resaca Reenactment has become famous for its aggressive battles and surprise tacticals. Extensive recreations of breastworks and Van den Corput’s redoubt also await your visit.

Both the Federal and Confederate camps are located in much more reenactor-friendly sites within easy reach of the sutlers, vendors, & reenactor parking. Both encampments will be located close to the respective 1864 lines of battle. Firewood, bedding straw, and horse hay will be provided. For campaign-style reenactors, camping will be permitted in or near the breastworks, but all amenities will have to be secured from the main static camp areas.

Various civilian activities will be conducted during the event. On Saturday morning, all reenactors are encouraged to attend the Memorial Service at the Resaca Confederate Cemetery located at the south end of the farm. The cemetery is the final resting place of 450 soldiers and is one of the first two such Confederate Cemeteries established in our nation. Later Saturday evening, a period social and dance will be held for all reenactors, with period music.

On Sunday morning, a non-denominational church service will be conducted on-site at the Social Fly for all reenactors.

There will be more convenient and plentiful parking for both reenactors and spectators. Also, period sutlers, authentic civilian and refugee camps, and modern concessions will be available.

As many have witnessed during the past several years, this is not just another reenactment. The Battle of Resaca Reenactment is put on for reenactors by reenactors, and for the enjoyment of the public in order for everyone to have an experience to remember. Come and relive this part of our history. Camp, fellowship, and fight on the very same historic ground as those brave soldiers did nearly 150 years ago.

The Battle of Resaca Reenactment will be held rain or shine. The battles may be delayed until severe weather moves out of the area, but they will not be canceled.

2021 Schedule of Events

 

Friday – May 14, 2021

Time	Activity
9:00 a.m.	Registration opens.
9:00 a.m.	School tours in Civilian activity area. School tour times will be provided with registration. See School Tours page for more information.
3:00 p.m.	Civilian Class: Handkerchief and Corn Husk Doll making. Located at Civilian Hill under the fly. Donation of $3-5 per attendee. All ages welcome (school age children are welcomed with adult supervision). Items to bring: needle, thread, lace, ribbon, etc.
4:00 p.m.	US and CS Branch Commanders Scenario Meeting on Spectator Hill. (Closed to the Public)
6:00 p.m.	US and CS Commanders and Battalion Officers Call at the Social Fly. Only officers and staff of Battalion level and above please attend. (Closed to the Public)
7:00 p.m.	Ice Cream Social. Open to all reenactors. Located at the Social Fly (dance area). Bring your own bowl. Hosted by the GDRA Civilians.
8:00 p.m.	US and CS Artillery Officers Call at the Artillery HQ.
8:00 p.m.	GA Div. Infantry Officers and 1st Sergeants Call at the GDRA HQ (hill behind registration in CS camp).
11:00 p.m.	Registration closed. No vehicles in camp overnight.
12:00 a.m.	All quiet.

Saturday – May 15, 2021

Time	Activity
7:00 a.m.	Reveille.
7:00 a.m.	Registration opens.
7:00-9:00 a.m.	Camps open for reenactor vehicles to unload. All vehicles out of camps by 9:00 a.m. & will not be permitted back in camp until after Sunday’s battle.
8:30 a.m.	Morning Colors (Both armies at the Parade Ground).
9:00 a.m.	Event site opens. Military & Civilian camps are open to the public.
9:00-11:00 a.m.	Reenactor Yard Sale (used period equipment & clothing) at the Social Fly. Will close at 11:00 a.m. Open to all reenactors.
10:00 a.m.	Memorial Service at the Resaca Confederate Cemetery. All reenactors are invited to attend.
10:00 a.m.	Artillery Inspection.
10:00 a.m.	All artillery vehicles towing cannon will be off the field until the battle is completed.
10:30 a.m.	BATTLE TACTICAL BEGINS. Tactical will take place in the woods as troops march back from the Memorial Service. Not open to the public.
12:00 p.m.	Ladies Tea hosted by the Gordon County Historical Society at the pool house. Bring your own cup. Event participants and Historical Society members only.
1:00 p.m.	Weapons inspections completed. Troops form on command prior to battle.
1:30 p.m.	Camps closed to the public.
2:00 p.m.	BATTLE REENACTMENT BEGINS
3:00 p.m.	Battle ends / Camps open to the public.
6:00 p.m.	Event site closes to the public.
7:00 p.m.	Period dance at the Social Fly. Period participants only.
7:00 p.m.	Registration closed.
12:00 a.m.	All quiet.

Sunday – May 16, 2021

Time	Activity
7:00 a.m.	Reveille.
8:00 a.m.	Registration opens.
8:30 a.m.	Morning Colors (Both armies at the Parade Ground).
9:00 a.m.	Event site opens. Military & Civilian camps open to the public.
10:00 a.m.	Period non-denominational church service at the Social Fly. Bring your own chairs. Open to the public.
10:00 a.m.	All artillery vehicles towing cannon will be off the field until the battle is completed.
12:00 p.m.	Registration closed.
12:30 p.m.	Cavalry competition on the main field. Open to the public.
1:00 p.m.	Weapons inspections completed. Troops form on command prior to battle.
1:30 p.m.	Camps closed to the public.
2:00 p.m.	BATTLE REENACTMENT BEGINS
3:00 p.m.	Battle ends. Camps open to reenactor vehicles ONLY after all troops have arrived back in camp.
5:00 p.m.	Event site closes.

 

Need more information: http://georgiadivision.org/bor_reenactment.html