Civil War Adventure Camp

Our hut

Assembly - The Confederates
Dinner - stew, hard tack, bread, apple, and shrub (drink)

The morning tattoo sounded at 5:45. Slowly, I crawled out of bed and rolled up my sleeping bag, which was a mistake because I didn’t have time to go up the hill to the "sink" – military euphemism for toilet – before assembly.

My husband, John, and I signed up for the Civil War Adventure Camp, part of the Pamplin Historical Park. I volunteered for the Army of the Potomac and John joined the Army of the Confederacy. I wonder how many volunteers knew what they were getting into – then and now! We didn’t. Regardless of the era the visions of glory when enlisting in the military quickly fades with the intensity of training and the horror of war. Dressed in my blue uniform, I stood next to John in his gray uniform as we were sworn is as privates. We were each issued a haversack, canteen, cartridge case, and cap case.

"Platoon Assemble," barked First Sergeant Young. "A sorry looking bunch of fresh fish if ‘er I saw one. Here is how you wear your uniform and equipment. What do you say?" We quickly learned the correct reply was, "Yes, Sir!" First Sergeant proceeded to teach us the proper way to salute – "Palm out!" He made us look somewhat presentable and then instructed us in commands: "Form columns of companies!" "Count off!" "Dress right!" "Right face!" "Right Flank!" and, my least favorite, "March, One, Two!"

It took a bit of doing and redoing but we finally looked somewhat orderly. We marched to our encampment where we were issued blankets and assigned our quarters. We were lucky we didn’t have to build our houses and dig the trenches like the Civil War soldiers did. The log and canvas quarters were surprisingly comfy – and inviting after the drilling and marching - two bunk beds with foam mattresses and a little Franklin stove, which we would not need given the unseasonably warm weather.

Before we had time to enjoy our accommodation we heard the familiar command "Platoon assemble!" Back in line we were issued muskets – albeit wooden ones to practice with. We learned the proper way to handle our muskets in a variety of situations – at ease, for inspection, marching, and climbing over fences. Then the learning curve increased as First Sergeant Young taught us to "load in nine." During the Civil War most of the southern soldiers were familiar with muskets and rifles but not the northern soldiers. Following the commands we positioned our musket at an angle by our left heel, took out a cartridge, tore off the paper with our teeth…. "All infantrymen must have at least four teeth, preferably two on the bottom and two on the top." "Spit that paper out, you don’t want to swallow it. I want to hear everyone spit!" We poured the power into the barrel squeezing to make sure the ball went in. Drew the ramrod and used it to ram the cartridge into the barrel, returned the ramrod, moved the musket to our right hand. "You are all right handed here." We reached into our cap pouch and put a cap on the cone of the weapon. Using the right thumb, cocked the weapon, and aimed and waited for the order to fire. We drilled and drilled some more – and it was hot, but I guess we were lucky it wasn’t raining. Off we marched to the firing range where we actually got to fire a real black powder musket.

In the evening, after a hearty dinner of beef stew, some was fruit donated by a local farmer, hard tack, shrub (fruit drink) we took turns on patrol with some standing watch and others waiting to stand watch. The moon was full offering a bit of light. The only sound was an owl in the nearby woods. It is said that Stonewall Jackson had a soldier shot for falling asleep on guard duty. That was enough to keep everyone alert. Soldiers not on guard duty were in camp playing card and dice games. "If’n happen to buy the farm promise you’ll get rid of the cards and dice in my haversack. I don’t want my momma to know I was gambling." No one had to be told twice what taps meant. Hitting the sack was a wonderful respite.

In the morning, after assembly, we lined up to get our field rations – hardtack, dried fruit, corn muffin, and beef jerky – filled our canteens and marched off to battle. We Union soldiers took up our position in a field trying to be as inconspicuous as possible in the grass. We were trying to break through General Robert E. Lee’s line near Petersburg. Tension built. Then through the trees someone thought they saw a movement. "Hold your fire!" Sure enough the Confederates were advancing through the nearby woods. With a rebel yell the Confederate army broke out into the open. "Fire!" Using the buddy system we took turns firing and loading. "Watch your left flank." After a few intense minutes the skirmish was over, we assembled, and marched back.
Some of the "wounded" were treated in the field, most of the injuries were minor, but one unlucky soldier was brought to the surgery where he had to have his leg "amputated." In graphic detail, the doctor explained the process.

Just when it seemed that we were getting with the program it was time to muster out. We assembled, received our "pay" and "walking papers."

The Civil War Adventure Camp is part of the Pamplin Historical Park where their Civil War Battle video, "A War so Terrible" graphically depicts the realities of combat. At their National Museum of the Civil War Soldier we picked the name of an actual Civil War soldier and followed him through seven galleries with interactive displays. Pamplin Historic Park also included Tudor Hall Plantation, trails, and a military encampment.

The campaign of Petersburg lasted 292 days in 1864 and 1865. Known as "The Breakthrough," the Union victory led to General Robert E. Lee’s surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House that ended the Civil War.

The Civil War Camp Experience was one of those things that I am glad we did. It was a "real life" experience. I keep thinking, "We can check that off our to-do list." But, I’d do it again, especially if I had a young person to take along. Our group was a mix of all ages, mostly male, and a few females that were mainly part of family groups.