The hundreds attending the 30th annual Civil War Reenactment and Living History Weekend at Confederate Maj. Gen. James Ewell Brown J.E.B. Stuart ‘s birthplace, Laurel Hill, determined it was worth the wait. The J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust, Inc., which organizes the event, postponed it for a week as the remnants of Hurricane Ian passed through. The encampment was held Oct. 8-9, under sunny skies and cool temperatures.
Attendees were treated to two days of living history, highlighted by a daily battle reenactment. During the battles, Union and Confederate troops clash, as artillery thunders, amid smoke and booming sounds of soldiers firing rifles while attempting to make opposing forces retreat. When the smoke cleared, the Confederates held the line, to be joined by the Union rivals in a post battle salute to the audience.
Among the exhibits was a replica of the C.S.S. Hunley, the first successful combat submarine. Thanks to the plexiglass on one side, visitors could get a sense of the cramped interior conditions the crew of eight faced as they powered the hand-cranked propeller.
Visitors could also browse vendors selling books and other Civil War related items and mingle with re-enactors in full period dress who were happy to share their love of history.
Funds raised at the annual event are used to help maintain the site. For more information, visit www.jebstuart.org, or Facebook.com/JEB.Stuart.Trust.
