Today, MW and I went to the Bentonville Reenactment, which is a demonstration of the last Confederate stand in the Carolinas during the Civil War.  The battle occurred between March 19 and 21, 1865, and you can read about it more here.  And if that's not enough, Google search string!  Those of you who know me IRL know that I am a history buff and am especially interested in the Civil War.  I had not been to a reenactment before and was keen to go. 

The first thing we happened upon was a lecture about embalming.  That I could have skipped.  Later we went to a lecture about the battle, which (IMO) was a bit difficult to follow.  I need maps when you're talking about troop movements!  Otherwise, I get confused.  Highlights I can remember:  Joe Johnston had just replaced P.G.T. Beauregard as the commander of the forces in the Carolinas.  One of the Generals under Johnston was Braxton Bragg, born in Warrenton NC.  I think there might be something in Fayetteville named after him.  Should check on that...  Sherman won the battle, but it was a hollow victory as there was nothing in the area to burn. 

Afterward, we walked around the civilian camps.  MW was very intrigued by the hoop skirts.  I am quite glad that women no longer have to dress in corsets and hoop skirts.  The skirts do not seem easy to sit in.   

We walked over to the battle viewing site.  We sat behind the Union lines, giving us a good view of horses and artillery.  Artillery, in case you are wondering?  Is loud.  I was happy, because, well, horses.  The battle was interesting, in that it was chaos.  I don't know how troops can accomplish anything in those situations.  One of the re-enactors portrayed a coward.  He fled the lines and was shot in the back by his own troops.  Short straw much?

I did take pictures, but due to the distance between myself and the action, they need to be photoshopped before I can share.  Well, except for this one, in which MW is looking worried about the Union's chances. 

We were hoping for a Union victory, right?