Event spokesman, Ken Padgett, stated this year’s reenactment will be exciting with different battles on both days of the weekend event. The spectator line is closer to the battles allowing spectators to better view the battles while seeing the smoke and hearing the thunder of history unfold. Once again over one thousand reenactors from across the United States composed of infantry, full-scale cannons, cavalry and civilian refugees converge in Resaca. The event will be a fun packed weekend for the entire family as history comes alive.
In the morning on Saturday, May 15 there will be free school tours and demonstrations for educating students to the most critical times in American history.
Padgett said that each reenactor spends several thousand dollars on reproduction clothing, weapons, tentage and more in portraying a soldier of blue or gray at their own expense. They travel all over the country as well as appearing in movies as “Gettysburg,” “Gods in Generals,” as well as the History Channel. The reenactment site is one of the very few places in the nation that is held on part of an original battlefield. This sire makes the action seem very real as one hears the yells, the smells of power and feels the ground shake from the guns. Trains still roll through the site in the same track bed on which the Great Locomotive Chase between the General and Texas occurred in 1862.
Padgett said that a Memorial Service will be held at the Resaca Confederate Cemetery on Saturday to honor the dead who fought at the battle. Out of 160,000 troops which engaged in the Resaca battle, there were 11,500 combined causalities.
The event is sponsored by the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce, Gordon County Historical Society, General Stand Watie Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp and the Chuck Wagon restaurant.
The Resaca Reenactment is hosted by the Georgia Division Reenactors Association, Inc. which is a non-profit organization. The site work as well as the event is put on entirely by volunteers.
This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of two great supporters: Mr. Kenneth, “Bo” Medders and Miss Julia Baker.
The entire family is encouraged to visit all military and civilian camps and talk to the reenactors before or after the battles. Spectators are also welcome to visit the 1860’s Sunday morning church service. Period sutler (vendors) and many modern noted food venders which will be serving breakfast, lunch and supper this year. Also the Gordon County Antique Engine and Tractor Club will be providing free rides from the parking areas to the battlefield.
Please attend and support the reenactment in the preservation efforts in Gordon County. The success of the event depends on public support while enjoying the fun and entertainment for the day or the entire weekend.
The cost is $5 for adults, $2 for children under 12 years of age; infants are free as well as parking.
Public Schedule:
Saturday
9 a.m. - Open to the public
10 a.m. – Resaca Confederate Cemetery Memorial Service
1 p.m. – Camps closed to the public
2 p.m. Battle Reenactment
Note: special living history demonstrations will be ongoing the entire weekend
6 p.m. – Site and Camps closed to the public
Sunday:
9 a.m. – Site and Camps open to the public and dress review and colors for both armies near the field
10 a.m. – Non-denominational 1860’s church service
1 p.m. – Camps closed to the public
2 p.m. – Battle reenactment
5 p.m. - Site closed to the public
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