1999 Event Schedule of the
Washington Artillery
Unless otherwise noted
for a specific event, the Food Committee has been disbanded for 1999 due to the
greatly increased size of our reenacting company over the last few years.
The time involved for the ladies running the Food Committee has become so
consuming that little time is left for them to do anything at events except
cook. Those of us who have benefited from their labors thank them for
their work on our behalf, and regret the passing of our Food Committee for our
own selfish sake; but are grateful for its dissolution for the sake of the
ladies who have so well served us all.
Battalion Washington Artillery - St. Barbara Night
January 16th
New Orleans, Louisiana
In honor of artillerists everywhere, the night is
celebrated as St. Barbara’s Night as she is the patron saint of artillerymen.
The reenacting group Washington Artillery is invited again this year by the
Active Battalion Washington Artillery and the Washington Artillery Veterans'
Association (WAVA) to participate in this awards night. This year the
soireé will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Landmark Hotel in Metairie.
The cost will be $30 per person, which includes dinner, a d.j., artillery punch,
and all the trimmings.
Lee
/ Jackson Day
January
17th
Lee Circle in Jackson Square
New Orleans, Louisiana
In recognition of Lee - Jackson Day, Washington
Artillery will participate in this annual Sons of Confederate Veterans /
United Daughters of the Confederacy - sponsored
ceremony celebrating the births of two of the greatest men
of the South. Laying the wreath on the Lee monument will be followed by a cannon firing
down Howard Avenue from Lee Circle at 1:00 PM. Commemorative
addresses, followed by a social gathering at the Confederate Museum in New Orleans where
hors d’oeuvres will be served, will conclude the ceremony.
Port Hudson Winter Quarters
February 6th,
7th
Zachary, Louisiana
Located on US 61 in East Feliciana Parish, 14 miles north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The
site covers 643 acres, and encompasses a huge battlefield as well as an elevated boardwalk
over the breastworks in the Fort Desperate area. Other facilities include three viewing
towers which link the area visually, a picnic area, and restrooms. Restrooms are left open
overnight during this event, which is a winter encampment and is commonly a "men
only" event, focused on being a School of the Piece for the Washington
Artillery. Corporal Cherry will be instructing new cannoneers in the
proper execution of their positions. Contact Corporal Cherry to let him
know if you will be attending this event.
The Washington
Artillery's participation in this event is cancelled due to unforeseen
circumstances.
Fort Jackson
March 4th - 7th
Buras, Louisiana
The 137th anniversary of the Battle at Fort Jackson will take place 50 miles south of New Orleans at
historic Fort Jackson. Sponsored by Plaquemines Parish
Economic Development and Plaquemines Parish and hosted by the 5th Company - Washington
Artillery, this is a maximum effort event for 5th Company. There is
limited camping in casemates of fort, and plenty of
space for tents. The usual amenities plus free Saturday evening meal will
be provided for all period
participants. 5th Company will provide candlelight tours on
Saturday evening, as well as private tours of Fort St. Phillip across the Mississippi River
(private property and only accessible by water). Battles will be held Saturday
and Sunday, and pyrotechnics will be used for both battles. There will also
be a ladies' tea, a period ball, and period church services Sunday morning. All profits will be dedicated to
the historical preservation of Fort Jackson.
It is important to have a good turnout of the Washington Artillery not only for Saturday and Sunday, and not only for the cleanup weekend the weekend prior to the event, but also for Friday, March 5th. Last year, approximately 2,500 school children were given an opportunity to see this aspect of their Louisiana and Civil War heritage. We need more reenactors to help insure that we have enough folks to answer questions and put on demonstrations of various sorts for such a large group of school children. Mean Mary and Frank are expected to perform, and possibly another period group.
Contacts: The Office of Economic Development, P.O. Box 937, Belle Chasse, LA
70037, (504) 394-0018; Colonel Christian M Becker, (225) 753-5298; Captain Glenn
Harrison, (225) 272-7124; or Corporal Robert Bonner, (225) 667-7265.
Port Hudson State Commemorative Area
March 27th & 28th
Zachary, Louisiana
Located on US 61 in East Feliciana Parish, 14 miles north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The
site covers 643 acres, and encompasses a huge battlefield as well as an elevated boardwalk
over the breastworks in the Fort Desperate area. This event will mark the 135th
anniversary of the siege of Port Hudson which was the longest siege in American military
history. Other facilities include three viewing towers which link the area visually, a
picnic area, and restrooms. Restrooms are left open overnight during re-enactments to
accommodate re-enactors who prefer flush toilets over the sani-johns (provided along with
the usual amenities. Set-up is allowed Friday night. Encampment on the grounds site
with all amenities provided. Saturday: skirmish. Saturday night meal provided. Sunday:
skirmish, and period religious services. Contact Captain Harrison by the
Wednesday prior to the event so that we can be sure to have enough cannons for
the men in attendance. Presently, three guns are registered for the
Washington Artillery.
Crescent City Classic
April 17th
New Orleans, Louisiana
One cannon and one gun crew will be provided by 5th Company - Washington Artillery to
start the race. Gun crew volunteers are needed to help fire the cannon to begin
this race. The race begins at approximately 8 AM, which means that our
cannoneers will need to be in place around 6 AM. Our participation
requires most of that day. Our cannoneers will receive a complimentary
T-shirt and free food and beer.
Selma
April 23rd, 24th, & 25th
Selma, Alabama
A large-scale annual event in which reenacting groups participate by invitation
only, 5th Company - Washington Artillery has volunteered to
attend as a Federal unit, the 6th Massachusetts Light Artillery. There
will be two bands on Saturday night for the dance. Washington Artillery
will register two guns.
135th Mansfield
May 1st, 2nd
Mansfield, Louisiana
A fine event in years past, this year Mansfield observes the 135th anniversary
of the battle. The usual amenities will be provided. Since
Massachusetts units were there 135 years ago, we have volunteered to attend this
event as the 6th Massachusetts Light Artillery.
Baton Rouge Symphony
Orchestra @Hemingbaugh
May 29th
St. Francisville, Louisiana
This is a one-evening event at which the "1812 Overture" will be performed by
the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the artillery pieces of 5th Company - Washington
Artillery. There will be three cannons at this event, although we are hoping to
field a fourth cannon. Our participation will provide
income to our organization to help keep our membership fees and powder rations at their
present levels. For any who will not be manning the pieces, they are invited to attend in
period dress and make a day of it by touring the grounds of Hemingbough bringing a picnic
lunch to enjoy on the grounds. The event will end at roughly 10:30 PM when the last of the
cannons has been loaded. We have
supported this effort of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra's for a number of
years now.
Summer Meeting
June 5th
Pearl River, Louisiana
The Summer Meeting at which the Washington Artillery will enjoy a meal and
social time together, vote on upcoming events for the fall season, and conduct
all other business of the organization will be held at the Stubbs' home.
Chickamauga
September 17th, 18th, & 19th
Chickamauga, Tennessee
Discussed at the 1998 Winter Meeting since this will be the premier event of the
1999 reenacting year, some folks have already registered concern about some of
the rules for this event. Those concerns include restriction of field
participation and carrying weapons to those age 16 or older; and all cannoneers,
regardless of position, must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Also, we are
advised that the rule for all national events will now be a total prohibition
against any alcoholic beverages. Complete batteries are required; anything
less than a full battery will require that the partial batteries team up with
other artillery companies. All cannon crews must be comprised of at least
7 cannoneers. A maximum cannon load of 3 ounces of black powder will be
allowed, and no compression fillers such as flour will be allowed. No pets
will be allowed in any of the camp areas; camp areas shall consist of military,
military dependents, and civilian impressions. All participants must be
clothed in full outside apparel. Registration fees are $7 per person
before February 28th, 1999; $10 per person before September 1, 1999; and $15 at
the site.
White Oak Plantation
October 15th
17660 George O'Neal Road
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The Young-Sanders Civil War Center in Morgan City, Louisiana was approached by
famous Louisiana chef John Folse (who has a cooking program aired Saturday
mornings on Louisiana Public Television) to sponsor a one-day reenactment at
White Oak Plantation on Friday, October 15th. White Oak Plantation is a
replica plantation house where Chef Folse's television program is filmed.
A significant donation will be made to Memorial Hall (The Confederate Museum) in
New Orleans, and there is the possibility that other fund-raising activities
will take place there that could benefit Memorial Hall, including a Celebrity
Auction. There will be a battle at 4:30 PM. They have offered to
feed us, as well; and one of our members pointed out that the purpose behind
this event is to favorably impress other chefs with things Louisiáne, with the
hope that there will be support for a Chef's Convention in our part of
Louisiana. A Grand Ball will follow that evening, the music to be provided
by The 12th Louisiana Regimental String Band and Benevolence Society.
Some refreshment will be provided by the "open barrels of mint
juleps". Private Holcomb is coordinating the assembly of artillery
pieces for this event, with two guns expected from the Washington Artillery.
There have already been commitments by two other artillery companies.
1998 Event Schedule of the
Washington Artillery
Battalion Washington Artillery - St. Barbara Night
January 18th
New Orleans, Louisiana
In honor of artillerists everywhere, the night is
celebrated as St. Barbara’s Night as she is the patron saint of artillerymen. To be
held in the same building as Accent Annex on Causeway and Airline in New Orleans. Open
bar, dinner, and dance for $15 per person.
Port Hudson State Commemorative Area
January 31 to February 1
Zachary, Louisiana
Located on US 61 in East Feliciana Parish, 14 miles north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The
site covers 643 acres, and encompasses a huge battlefield as well as an elevated boardwalk
over the breastworks in the Fort Desperate area. Other facilities include three viewing
towers which link the area visually, a picnic area, and restrooms. Restrooms are left open
overnight during this event, which is a winter encampment and is commonly a "men
only" event, focused on being a School of the Soldier. There will be no Food
Committee for this event, as it is open for Washington Artillery’s participation, but
no vote was taken on this event.
Port Hudson State Commemorative Area
March 14th & 15th
Zachary, Louisiana
Located on US 61 in East Feliciana Parish, 14 miles north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The
site covers 643 acres, and encompasses a huge battlefield as well as an elevated boardwalk
over the breastworks in the Fort Desperate area. This event will mark the 134th
anniversary of the siege of Port Hudson which was the longest siege in American military
history. Other facilities include three viewing towers which link the area visually, a
picnic area, and restrooms. Restrooms are left open overnight during re-enactments to
accommodate re-enactors who prefer flush toilets over the sani-johns (provided along with
the usual amenities. Set-up is allowed Friday night. Encampment on the grounds of the site
with all amenities provided. Saturday: skirmish. Saturday night meal provided. Sunday:
skirmish. 5th Company members should contact the Food Committee to have their meals
provided.
Fort Jackson
March 28th & 29th
Fort Jackson, Louisiana
Work day to prepare the site of Fort Jackson, Louisiana for the April 4th re-enactment.
Work crew volunteers have been identified and will be contacted prior to the work days.
Fort Jackson
April 4th & 5th
Fort Jackson, Louisiana
A maximum effort event, Fort Jackson will be hosted by 5th Company - Washington Artillery.
Moneys collected will be forwarded to the Economic Development Council or put into escrow
for next year’s re-enactment. The usual amenities will be supplied. Tours of Fort St.
Phillip will be provided by 5th Company members for other re-enactors. 5th Company members
should contact the Food Committee to have their meals provided.
Crescent City Classic
April 11th
New Orleans, Louisiana
One cannon and one gun crew will be provided by 5th Company - Washington Artillery to
start the race. Gun crew volunteers have been identified and will be contacted immediately
prior to the event.
Selma
April 25th & 26th
Selma, Alabama
A large-scale event, 5th Company - Washington Artillery has volunteered to galvanize in
light of a bad history with this event that has historically promised much and delivered
nothing to the Washington Artillery. At least by planning to galvanize - which most likely
will result in being Federal all weekend - the hope is that the preferable Federal
campground is where Washington Artillery will be assigned to camp. Washington Artillery
will register one gun. 5th Company members should contact the Food Committee to have your
meals provided.
Battle for Vicksburg
May 8th, 9th, & 10th
Raymond, Mississippi
The usual amenities will be provided for this event, for which we have already 30
pre-registered members. Any who intends to attend this event need to reimburse our
Treasurer, Glenn Harrison, $5 per person they intend to have attend this event. We will
register two guns, and it is believed that Washington Artillery will be required to
galvanize for this event. This event is campaign-style, so the two guns we plan to
register will have to be moved manually. Our command staff has a number of reservations
concerning the organization of this event, and noted also that there is only one road in
or out. 5th Company members should contact the Food Committee to have your food provided.
Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra @ Hemingbough
May 23rd
St. Francisville, Louisiana
This is a one-evening event at which the "1812 Overture" will be performed by
the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the artillery pieces of 5th Company - Washington
Artillery. There will be three cannons at this event. Our participation will provide
income to our organization to help keep our membership fees and powder rations at their
present levels. For any who will not be manning the pieces, they are invited to attend in
period dress and make a day of it by touring the grounds of Hemingbough bringing a picnic
lunch to enjoy on the grounds. The event will end at roughly 10:30 PM when the last of the
cannons has been loaded. No Food Committee will be provided for this event.
Beauvoir - The Jefferson Davis Shrine
May 30
Library Dedication
Biloxi, Mississippi
5th Company - Washington Artillery has been invited to participate in a one-day outing to
celebrate the opening of the new library / museum addition to the property. Although it is
only a one-day event, 5th Company has been told that we will be allowed to camp on the
grounds Friday night is we choose to do so. 5th Company has been asked to provide
three guns and crews for the guns. This event has been tabled until more information is
provided by the museum.
Fort Gaines
August 8, 9
Fort Gaines, Alabama
This is a "men only" event, an opportunity for the artillerymen to learn to
serve heavy artillery. There will be no Food Committee for this event. At the
time of the summer meeting, the plan is for the artillerymen to camp outdoors.
However, one of our members is working on obtaining an air-conditioned cabin for the men's
"camping". Contact our Captain for further details.
Camp Moore Confederate Museum and Cemetery
September 26, 27
Tangipahoa, Louisiana
The 16th Louisiana is hosting this event, an event for which the Washington
Artillery's attendance is a tradition. The event is also First Louisiana
Brigade-supported. The usual amenities will be supplied. Contact the Food
Committee at least by the Wednesday prior to the event so they may be sure to obtain
sufficient rations for all participating in the Food Committee. Contact Glenn
Harrison or Christian Becker by that same Wednesday so that we will know how many to
expect for the purposes of having a sufficient number of cannons.
Washington Artillery Review
October 3, 4
Re-scheduled for October 17, 18
The Battle of Jackson Crossroads
October
10, 11
Jackson, Louisiana
Originally, the Washington Artillery voted to forego this event due to an already-burdened
schedule. However, the Washington Artillery is now seeking as pickup crew or crews
to participate in this event due to unforeseen changes in schedules. Contact Glenn
Harrison or Christian Becker for details.
Beauvoir - The Jefferson Davis Shrine
October
17, 18
Biloxi, Mississippi
Due to a date change for the Washington Artillery Review from the 3rd and 4th to the 17th
and 18th, 5th Company - Washington Artillery will be attending this fine event, Beauvoir's
Fall Muster, not en masse but as a pickup crew or crews this year. Preliminary
reports indicate that most of the military impressions have chosen to attend the
Washington Artillery Review.
There will be a Saturday evening ball. The usual amenities will be supplied. There will be no Food Committee for this event since it will be a pickup event. Contact Glenn Harrison or Christian Becker as early as possible to ensure either your place on a cannon, or that we will be represented at all.
Washington Artillery Review
October
17, 18
Re-scheduled from October 3, 4
New Orleans, Louisiana
As an annual event, we are privileged to be asked to participate with the 141st National
Guard Artillery unit, Battalion Washington Artillery, at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans;
it was they who honored us with the "Try Us" banner that is attached to the
standard for our Company flag. This year is a particular privilege, however, as
there are a number of important events which will take place as part of the Washington
Artillery Review. First, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday
morning, the 3rd of October, in Metairie Cemetery at the tomb of a Washington
Artilleryman. There will be a party on Saturday evening, the 3rd, and the ladies are
invited and encouraged to attend.
Second, the oldest continuously existing artillery unit in the nation - the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company (of Boston), formed in 1637 and chartered in 1638 - has been invited to attend the Washington Artillery Review; we would like very much to make our best showing with them present. Third, we need a sufficient number of men to have a full crew to pass in review - perhaps horse-drawn, if the logistical issues can be overcome - and another full crew to fire a salute. The Review itself will take place on Sunday, the 4th. In order to have enough time in which to set up our cannons, cannoneers will need to arrive before 7 AM Sunday morning.
There will be no Food Committee for this event.
(As a side note, there was also once a Washington Artillery of Boston.)
The Battle of Liberty
November
7, 8
Liberty, Mississippi
For the first time, the Washington Artillery will attend the Battle of Liberty.
This is the event's third year, and is being hosted by the 14th Confederate Cavalry.
The event will include battles both days, a ladies' tea, "authentic" church
services, a Saturday evening meal, camp dance, a period wedding, and the usual
amenities. Contact the Food Committee at least by the Wednesday prior to the event
so they may be sure to obtain sufficient rations for all participating in the Food
Committee. Contact Glenn Harrison or Christian Becker by that same Wednesday so that
we will know how many to expect for the purposes of having a sufficient number of cannons.
Oak Alley Plantation
November
21, 22
Vacherie, Louisiana
Formerly a tradition with the Washington Artillery, the re-enactment at Oak Alley
Plantation has been cancelled by the management of Oak Alley Plantation. As of
September 12th, the 1st Louisiana Brigade (of which the Washington Artillery is a member)
is trying to organize an event at another location to replace the cancelled event at Oak
Alley. Greenwood Plantation in St. Francisville and Grand Gulf, Mississippi are two
possibilities for sites.
Winter Meeting
December 12
Location undetermined as of yet
There is a possibility that the Winter Meeting of 5th Company - Washington Artillery will
be held at Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, Louisiana. John and Peggy Fleming
had been approached by the folks at Nottoway Plantation concerning the feasibility of
holding a living history event there, which led to a discussion of combining our Winter
Meeting with a living history event there. The living history portion of the time
there would be exploratory in nature, the Nottoway Plantation folks observing for the
purpose of deciding if they could stage an event along the lines of the Oak Alley
Plantation event. Nottoway Plantation has 13 guest rooms, a restaurant, and a
ballroom. Further details will be offered as they become available.
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