The Battle of Aiken took place in February 1865 during Sherman's March to the Sea. General Kilpatrick led his troops into South Carolina and sought to take and then destroy Aiken, followed by moving in on Augusta, Georgia. However, the Confederate troops, led by General Wheeler, stopped Kilpatrick at Aiken.
The reenactment today staged the Rebels and Yankees on the battle field.
As expected for the area, the crowd cheered when the Confederates advanced and were able to take advantage on the battlefield. Confederate flags and uniforms abounded in the crowd. But in a way that may only be understood by Southerners, cheered loudly for both the Yankees and Rebels as they made their final passes to thank the crowd. Proud to be American and proud to be Southern.
Besides the reenactment, the reenactors had exhibits set up to talk about their craft, the life of a civil war soldier, and the weapons of war.
There were also some exhibits of more modern American warfare.
The gentleman on the right is wearing a WWI-era wool army uniform. At the exhibit, he showed up the gas masks used by soldiers in WWI and WWII.
I also spent some time talking to a Confederate Chaplain.
We talked about the life of a civil war chaplain, life in Antebellum South, and a book he is writing involving a plantation called Wexford.
It was very enjoyable and educational. Certainly a sad time in American history as brother fought brother, but let us never forget our past and the bravery exhibited by those seeking to ensure their rights and those fighting for their country.
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