Vicksburg Campaign

The Reenactment of the Battle of Raymond, the Battle of Jackson, and the battle of Champion Hill proved to be one of the most brilliant series of events ever held in the Town of Raymond. More than ever, spectators reflected a great sense of pride regarding the role Raymond played during the Civil War years and the famous Vicksburg Campaign.

The Battle of Jackson, held at Waverly Plantation with more than 3,500 reenactors, was one of the many weekend events.

CROWDS OF SPECTATORS

watched in awe as Confederate and Union soldiers reenacted the sights and sounds of three major battles held during the Vicksburg Campaign: The Battle of Raymond, the Battle of Jackson and the Battle of Champion Hill, “I was so moved during the Battle of Raymond,” confessed a spectator from Oklahoma, ” that tears came to my eyes.”

THE REENACTMENT

was the largest event of its kind to be held in Mississippi and among the largest held in the nation. Over 3,500 reenactors from a cross-section of America participated in the “living history” event. Full-scale Civil War cannons and hundreds of Calvary troopers added to the excitement of each battle. For the first time in 135 years, the town of Raymond heard the sound of cannons and gunfire exploding from a distance.

Cooper McCracken, Drummer Boy from Memphis.

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENTS, also known as Living History, has rapidly become one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. For many it could even be considered a family kind of thing. Linda Shott from Plainview, Arkansas, commented, “My family and I try to participate in at least one reenactment every month. My husband and son are in blue just as often as they are in gray.” When joining a Civil War reenactment organization, men have a variety of units to choose from; Heavy Artillery, the Infantry, the Calvary, Mounted Rifles, Medical Department and others. Boys 15 and younger often sign with the Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps. Women and children are also encouraged to participate in a variety of interesting roles.

PERIOD COSTUMES ARE EXPENSIVE. The average cost of outfitting a Confederate or Union soldier is approximately $400-$500 dollars. The women also pay a fortune for dresses, corsets, hoops and jewelry. To meet the need for “supply and demand,” new type of business known as the suttlery has surfaced. In Civil War times, a ‘sutler’ was a person who followed the army and sold items such as whiskey, trinkets and medicine to the soldiers. Today, a large number of suttlery companies supply the customer with historical reproductions of Civil War items: clothing, tents, muskets, buckles, shoes, boots, eye glasses, swords, guns etc. Many of the items can be ordered from companies who advertise on the Internet.

Terry Stuckey from Pascagoula, Mississippi, and his authentic flag reproductions.

FLAGS WITH STARS AND STRIPES were important to Confederate and Union Armies. Flags varied as to each regiment and each state. Of interest to Civil War buffs whose ancestors fought in the War was a novelty shop owned by Terry Stuckey from Pascagoula. The shop, Authentic Legends, was located near the main gate leading into Waverly. Stuckey delighted the crowds with his display of “Stars and Strips” decals – each representing a different state and a different brigade. One of the most popular selling shirts with the flag emblem was the Bonnie Blue Flag of Mississippi.

SOLDIERS IN THE CALVARY pay a high price to be a reenactor. All horses on the battlefield have to be attired with appropriate equipment. In addition to the expense of saddles, saddle bags, blankets, and bridles, the owner also has to keep the horse shod as well as owning a large truck and trailer for hauling.

Brad West from Eudora, Kansas, and his horse, “Minty”, served as Courier for the Federal Commanders.

Calvary reenactors often drive their horses all across the United States to be a part a particular reenactment. For a member of the Calvary, this all spells ‘big bucks.’ But, no one is complaining. They love the action and they love their horses .

Brad West, Gary Nichols and Steve Grice are Civil War reenactors who serve in the Calvary Unit. Gary and Steve from Panama City, Florida, arrived in Raymond just in time to unload their horses and saddle up for the action. “During today’s battle I’ll be riding Courier for the Commander of the Confederate Forces and delivering messages,” stated Nichols. We are both members of the 1st Alabama Calvary CSA. Grice was also excited about the battle. As he ‘saddled up’ he commented, “In 1862, my ancestor fought with the 26th Mississippi in the Infantry at the Battle of Champion Hill. So, for me, this is a very special event to be involved in.” Brad, from Eudora, Kansas served as Courier for the Federal Commanders.

Royce Loesch and Kirk Hale, members of the Landis Confederate Battery, Light Artillery Unit, St. Joseph, Missouri, traveled to Raymond from South Dakota and Kansas City.

ROYCE LOESCH and KIRK HALE, members of the Landis Confederate Battery, Light Artillery Unity were also preparing for the Battle of Raymond. “I’m from South Dakota,” stated Loesch, “and Kirk is from Kansas City. We are both members of the Landis Confederate Battery which is out of St. Joseph, Missouri.” Loesch added, “This is my first time to Raymond but we’ve all heard about the Battle of Raymond and the Battle of Champion Hill. I was really happy to get down this way because my great-great uncle was captured in Canton during the war. He was taken to a prison in Andersonville and stayed there for a year before being released. He lived to be 101 years old.”

A Military Parade in front of the historic Raymond Courthouse featured more than 3,500 Confederate and Union reenactors.

THE REENACTMENT of the Battle of Raymond, the Battle of Jackson and the Battle of Champion Hill proved to be one of the most brilliant series of events ever held in the Town of Raymond. More than ever, spectators reflected a great sense of pride regarding the role Raymond played during the Civil War years and the famous Vicksburg Campaign.

Photographs by James and Rebecca Drake

Part II