Bringing history to life

Siege at Bridgeport re-enactment this weekend

Founded in the l ate 1840s, Bridgeport, Ala., was a hotbed of activity during the Civil War due to its strategic location by a railroad bridge that spanned the Tennessee River connecting Alabama to Chattanooga.

The Confederacy controlled Bridgeport and the bridge during the early months of the war. But in April 1862, Union forces seized Bridgeport in a fierce battle that lasted over an hour. The Confederacy would try numerous times in the remaining years of the war to regain control of Bridgeport, but to no avail.

Nearly 1,000 re- enactors will converge on the small community 156 years after the Battle of Bridgeport to participate in a re- enactment this weekend, March 23- 25. The re- enactment will take place on the property of JoJohn McGraw farm.

Friday is set aside as a day for educating children from Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. More than 1,000 students will make a field trip to Bridgeport to watch demonstrations and learn more about the life of a Civil War soldier.

Gates open to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The always popular anvil shoot will take place at noon both days. (All times Central.)

The anvil shoot, sending 100- plus pounds of metal hurling i nto the air, is a novelty to adults and children alike. Robert Gilbert uses steel- forged anvils that are more than 100 years old in the gravi- ty-defying stunt.

At the re-enactment, visitors can tour soldier and sutler camps to learn more about life in the 1860s.

“We’re expecting five Southern and 10 Union cavalry units, and we’ll have artillery and infantry,” says McGraw. Additionally, 15 cannoneers have signed up and McGraw says cannon firings will be part of the show.

All participating re-enactors are required to follow strict guidelines for authenticity, leaving modern conveniences at home and sleeping in tents or on the ground to accurately portray a soldier’s life.

About two dozen sutlers have signed up to attend, including a frybread cook among the f ood vendors, which McGraw says is very popular with visitors.

Battles will be held at 2 p. m. each afternoon. McGraw says when the battle is re- enacted on Saturday, the Confederates will win. On Sunday, the Union will win.

There will be drawings for door prizes given to spectators each day. Handicap-accessible parking is available.

For more information: www. siegeatbridgeport. com.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Fifteen cannons will be part of the re-enactment of this weekend’s Siege at Bridgeport.