Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 115, No. 29	July 16, 2008

WAR

Morgan flees over Ohio River, ‘great raid’ welcomes over 250

Union re-enactors from the Tar Water Mess and an Indiana group prepare for Saturday’s battle at Brandenurg’s Riverfront Park. In addition to the Union soldiers, artillery, cavalry and Confederate infantry were also featured during the weekend events.

By LARRY SEE JR.
Messenger Staff

A crowd of over 250 spectators witnessed Gen. John Hunt Morgan’s ‘great raid’ in downtown Brandenburg July 12 during the start of the weekend Civil War re-enactment.

The event was the capstone for outgoing Meade County Public Library director James Mitchell, who left the position earlier this year to relocate to Georgia.

Confederate troops march onto the field of battle.

For his service, Mitchell was presented an engraved sword by the re-enactment planning committee following the Saturday events.

Rainy weather prevented some re-enactors, who traveled from as far as Perryville and Nicholasville in Kentucky and Indiana, from staying overnight in Riverfront Park, but those who survived the storms went home with dry canvas Sunday as the sun shone brightly for the morning’s events.

The inclement weather also canceled the evening night firing activity, Mitchell said. He added the primary reason for cancellation was safety, as library officials didn’t want people on the Buttermilk Falls trail in the dark.

Weekend battles featured all units of the army, including the infantry, artillery and cavalry.

Union soldiers Micah Trent, Hardin County, assists Jacob Salley, of Perryville, as he comforts dying soldier Chris Sumner, also of Perryville, during Sunday’s battle. The battle turned out to be a fierce firefight between the troops.

Re-enactors, totalling over 200, were fed a lavish meal, catered by the Main Street Cafe Saturday night. Included in the meal were ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, tea, rolls and a variety of desserts.

After the meal, period music wafted through the air for the evening’s ball, held on the grounds of the gazebo. Re-enactors in period clothing danced to the Virginia Reel, among other dances of the era, to music performed by the 52nd Regimental String Band.

The Delta Queen passed through at the conclusion of Sunday’s battle, bringing a perfect end to the perfect weekend.

The library has been a major event sponsor in the past, with plans already being made for the 2010 event in Brandenburg. Those interested in joining the planning committee are asked to leave their name and number at the library (270) 422-2094 so they can be contacted when the meeting is scheduled.

Weeping and dying contest winners:
Re-enactors:
First place: $25 gas card, Tyler and Bristol Reckner, both of Sebree, Ky.
Second place: Library T-shirts: Luke Maggard, Brandenburg, and Roxanne and Kaleb Baehl, Evansville, Ind.

Sprouts:
First place: Ken and Hanna Moore, both of Brandenburg.
Second place: Branden Marsh, Brandenburg and Alex Bennett, Elizabethtown.

Adults:
First place: Brad Lowenberger, Ekron, and Mary Rizer, Brandenburg.
Second place: Jonathan and Patricia Houser, both of Eliizabethtown.

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