‘Battle for Jefferson’ will be this weekend
Civilian and soldier re-enactors from at least six states are drawing a bead on downtown Jefferson, Texas, this weekend, returning for the latest edition of ‘The Battle for Jefferson.”
The Jeffersonian Institute’s brigade of volunteers are preparing for the event that includes camping throughout the downtown historic district, two full-scale battles with infantry, cavalry and artillery as well as several other activities highlighted by the performance of the 12th Louisiana String Band at the “Muskets & Magnolias” Grand Ball.
“It’s really good to be so far along with everything again,” said Charlie Chitwood, coordinator for the event. “All the dominoes have been set in place and they’ll start falling next week. Best of all is that it appears the weather’s going to pay us back a little for last year’s cancellation … should be great camping weather for our hundreds of re-enactor guests.”
The weather leading up to the event has the nonprofit organization’s optimism; Ground conditions all over town and especially at the Cypress River Ranch battlefield are very good.
Residents will notice some of the sutlers coming in as early as Wednesday with troops starting to arrive the next day. Friday’s scheduled activities start a little after 8 a.m. at Lions Park, where a living history camp will be set up for students from Marion and Harrison County schools.
“The re-enactors wanted to do this to chip in,” Chitwood said. “There’s no cost to the schools other than bringing the students to Lions’ Park. Some of the Sea Scouts that regularly portray the naval contingent will be there too—teenagers teaching other teenagers should be pretty effective.”
Registration is all day Friday at 122 E. Austin St. (the former Corkyard) as re-enactors get their camps lined out. The Illumination at Oakwood Cemetery is from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. a street dance on Austin Street (between Vale and Market streets) will give the younger re-enactors and guests a chance to work on their dance steps for Saturday’s ball.
The “Battle” action begins shortly after the Pilgrimage Parade vacates Austin Street, leaving the troops to have their introductory skirmish downtown. The Ladies Tea will be held at the Jefferson Institute from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and then the weekend’s first fullscale battle at Bob and Kimmy Sanders’ Cypress River Ranch commences at 4 p.m.
“If you haven’t been to a typical re-enactment before, know that you should be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and have some shade from the sun,” Chitwood added. “Camp chairs and umbrellas are good too. The first 500 spectators will have use of the “Battlefield Radios” again, allowing them to follow along the narrative and even ask questions about 19th-century tactics, weaponry and even uniforms. Especially with the cavalry and horse-drawn artillery, most folks are going to be on their feet throughout the entire episode.”
Once the battle is over, almost everyone returns to town to clean up, have supper and get ready for the Muskets & Magnolias Ball at the Jeffersonian Institute. Guests and many re-enactors, dressed in their finest outfits, will enjoy the 12th Louisiana String Band.
“That group is like a bunch of 19th-century rock stars,” Chitwood said. “They’re an immensely popular group within the re-enactment community and have come to be known as our house band for the event.”
Chitwood said that while the ball is primarily for the re-enactors, guests are invited to attend as well. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door for $15 per person. The dance is a black-tie affair for attendees not in period dress.
At 10 a.m. Sunday ,“Presentation of Colors” is in front of Christ Episcopal Church and then the final battle of the weekend commences at 1:30 p.m. at Cypress River Ranch.
Full schedule and ticketing information can be found at www.battleforjefferson.com and the battle’s Facebook page.