Students of all ages who research the history of the War Between the States depend upon a variety of books, diaries, newspapers, lectures, university archives and museums to learn about battles and other events that occurred during the war.
One unique visual source of understanding the history of battles of the War Between the States is that of “Civil War” Re-enactments. Men and women by the thousands across our nation are so intrigued with the history of the War Between the States that they congregate at various sites across the country, dress in period war uniforms with weapons and full attire, to re-enact living history of battles from the war. Impressions of Union and Confederate infantry, cavalry, artillery, and sutlers can all be viewed by the public. One very interesting impression from the War Between the States Period is that of the doctors who served the military.
On Saturday March 7, 2009 at 1:30 pm, the Young-Sanders Center in Franklin, Louisiana will present Mr. John L. McGibboney, Jr. of Farmerville, Louisiana as guest speaker. Mr. McGibboney will demonstrate his impression of a Surgeon with the rank of Major from the 4th Louisiana Artillery, Cameron’s Battery Living History Unit, Confederate States of America. He will be assisted by several re-enactors in Confederate attire for his demonstration. John has performed his surgical impression annually at the re-enactments of the Battle of Pleasant Hill, Mansfield Battlefield on Memorial Day Weekend, the Louisiana Military Musuem in Ruston and other events in the north Louisiana area.
McGibboney will discuss and simulate the types of surgery that was expected of Doctors serving with a military unit, including bullet wounds, amputation of limbs, and more. He will also display several actual artifacts used by doctors during the war.
The Center’s library will also be open for visitors before and after the program. The Young-Sanders Center is located at 701 Teche Drive in Franklin, La. on the historic Bayou Teche one block from the St. Mary Parish Court House. For more information on this event call the Center’s Director at (337) 413-1861.