West Point's Constitution Island and the Constitution Island Association will host its annual Reenactment Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 August, 2010, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. 100 uniformed troops representing the American Revolution and the Civil War will perform an array of activities to include: tactical weapon demonstrations, inspections, formations, musket firings, artillery demonstrations, camp life, and drills. The event will feature non-stop activities depicting General George Washington's efforts to defend Fort Constitution and Fortress West Point over the course of the American Revolution. Additionally, this year's event will include a Civil War camp to offer a preview of the Sesquicentennial of the bloodiest of America's wars.
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, so the program had to be cut short. But we were thrilled to be able to tour the camp, learn about army life back then, watch musket drills from both periods, and learn about the history of Constitution Island and efforts to fortify the Hudson highlands during the American Revolution. The reenactors were from The Fifth New York Regiment, and enthusiastically passed on their knowledge to the kids.
Revolutionary War Musket Drill: Smooth bore musket; flint and steel.
Civil War Musket Drill: Rifled musket barrel; percussion cap.
No artillery demo due to heavy rains, but we did get to look at the cannon.
It was a soggy, but fun and educational day, made more fun by the fact that it was shared with homeschooling friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment