Things are happening fast and furious for the upcoming 150th Anniversary of the Battle of 1st Manassas. Here is an updated listing of items currently happening as it relates to the event and the 1st Louisiana Special Battalion. Please pass it on to any members of your unit or others that might be interested in attending and participating with the 1st Louisiana Special Battalion (re-constituted). As information is provided, additional informational notices will be sent out.
A site has been identified and secured. Registration site is up and running, with a new web site address. People are planning on attending and are registering. What is your status and that of your unit? Please let me know if you and/or your group are attending and how many will be present. Also if you are attending as a Tiger Rifle (in Tiger Togs, Coppen’s Zouave type uniforms) or as a generic Louisiana Infantryman of the time period. This will help us with preplanning the numbers of men in each company.
New Web Site - There is a new web site for the event. This web site appears to take the place of the previous web site (http://www.visitpwc.com/reenactment) with the same information being provided. Starting on Page 2, I have incorporated the new web site and pages as it relates to: Registration, waivers, FAQs, etc.
http://www.manassasbullrun.com/
Registration Database - The database of those that have registered is currently available in a PDF spreadsheet. It contains with names, units portrayed, and if they are fully registered (i.e., electronically, monies and waiver sent in, etc.). Please check it to make sure you have been included. Per the web site, it takes a bit of time to include names on the listing.
http://www.manassasbullrun.com/images/Registered%20Reenactors%20for%20website%203-24-11%20(edit2).pdf
Parade - There is a kick-off Parade scheduled to be held in Downtown Manassas. We are currently working on getting the Battalion a place in line. I do hope it is not behind the mounted Cavalry or Horse-drawn Artillery. Parade starts at 10AM on Friday. Right now for those that will be camping early at the event site, there is transportation planned from the event site to the parade, and back. For those staying at a local Inn, you can drive to the parade starting point.
Sutlers - There are a number of sutlers that have been invited to participate. For those that participate in areas with sutlers that provide less than desirable goods, here is a great opportunity to get something you always wanted and (based on my past experiences) at a good price.
http://www.manassasbullrun.com/c19/Sutler-Village-–-Vendors-Authentic-Merchandise-Provisions-–-Civil-War-150th-Battle-Reenactment.htm
Battle - At past ‘mega-events’ there have been multiple scenarios related to a Battle. Some of these have occurred in the afternoon. Not sure about you, but July in Virginia it is very hot and humid and perhaps not the best place to fight in heavy wool uniforms. So, it appears the event sponsors, along with the military commanders have planned a good alternative. There appears to be a single, ongoing battle. It is tentative start time is 9AM. I have seen the scenario, so figure a 3 ½ time frame for the battle. Woo Woo!! Bring lots of rounds and caps. With such an early start, hopefully the public can get up early to watch.
JIM T