2016 Battle of Broxton Bridge - Civil War Reenactment

Ken Shockey from Augusta
at the Guns of Civil War education station 

The annual Civil War reenactment at Broxton Bridge in Western Colleton County enjoyed near perfect spring weather over the weekend of March 4 – 6. An inch of rain that fell Thursday night served to keep the swamp looking as formidable today as it was 151 years ago for the Union army to cross. As I arrived for the Living History Day, several learning stations are set up near the pine woods in close proximity to the civil war era earthen works, where the larger battle reenactment is contested over the weekend.

            

Amber Mashburn, Shayla Bennett and Molly Dobson
bring life to the encampment

Cannon and campsite

Broxton Bridge owner Jerry Varn told me that the hospital station with its primitive looking surgical instruments and medicines can sometimes really captivate the attention of the youths in attendance. A replica of the Hunley submarine is present and offers a glimpse inside the cramped space that the sailors would have occupied. The newly constructed chapel with a working pump organ also offers a look back in time, while a photographer’s booth invites guests to put on civil war props and then to make a free selfie photo with their phone to take home.

Event Flyer for 2016

It’s always interesting to see how many people turn out in period attire to camp out over the weekend, while remaining committed to using as much authentic accessories as possible. Fire pits with black kettles are common, and what looks like rough cotton clothing and bedding are all just part of the scene. Antiques being utilized include bottles, wooden chests, chairs and powder horns, and representatives from local regiments like the men from Company B of the Black Creek Artillery help to complete the historic setting.    

To view this feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about the Battle for Broxton Bridge click on 2015 Sesquicentennial - Living History Day - Reenactment Photos - 2009