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| Danny Gregory as Col Robert Thompson reviewing the troops |
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| Firing Cannons create realism |
The reenactment of the Civil War Battle of Broxton Bridge
takes place the first weekend in March. A little light rain on Friday gave way
to good weather Saturday and Sunday, with heavy rain arriving Sunday evening
after the event was over. It was 154 years ago when the northern army was
moving between Savannah and Columbia and had to cross the Salkehatchie River
Swamp. The defensive fortifications the Confederate army held are still visible
today at Broxton Bridge Plantation.
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| Students visit the blacksmith during Living History Day |
This
reenactment is sponsored by the Salt-Ketchers Chapter, and is hosted by the
32nd Georgia artillery and the 2nd Georgia Regiment of Col. Burke
Sharpshooters. The reenactors camp on the edge of the Salkehatchie Swamp and it
still looks very formidable today with deep channels and steep embankments. The
sharpshooters could climb up a hardwood tree and look down on the opposing
forces, while cannons could pepper their approach. History records that the
Union forces were too many, and their march to Columbia was unabated.
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| Encampment on the edge of the Salkehatchie Swamp |
Broxton
Bridge owner Jerry Varn told me that he is welcoming about 250 first time union
forces reenactors in 2019. “Units like the New York Highlanders are coming to
the Battle of Broxton Bridge this year for the third time this year,” said
Varn. “There seems to be a lack of reenactments up North these days, and the
word has spread that we have plenty of room here at Broxton Bridge. A total of
700 reenactors will be taking part, and the Union and Confederate forces will
be almost equal.”
To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.
To view past blog entries from the Battle of Broxton Bridge click on 2016 - 2015 Preview - 2015 Living History Day - 2015 Reenactment Photos - 2009
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