Hundreds Experience History at Hainesville Civil War Reenactment
Approximately 350 people gathered on March 16, 2024, for the Hainesville Civil War Encampment and Battle, an event designed to immerse attendees in the life and conditions of soldiers during the American Civil War. Participants experienced various activities, including demonstrations of field surgical units, marching drills, and engaging with reenactors portraying historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis.
Visitors were encouraged to interact with reenactors, gathering fun facts that allowed children to earn certificates, while adults had the opportunity to view and touch field artillery pieces on the site. Though many attendees were drawn by the excitement of the battle reenactment itself, the overarching aim of the event was educational, underscoring the importance of understanding historical context.
Engagement Through Authenticity
Most of the 80 reenactors involved in the encampment are educators, committed to portraying their roles with a high degree of authenticity. Scott Paulson, who assumes the role of field undertaker, highlighted his journey into reenactment, stating, “I got involved because my wife was into historical costuming. I saw a reenactment and it lit a fire. It’s been 35 years now.” He emphasized the importance of presenting history accurately, noting, “We try and make it the way it was, not the way they wish it would be.”
Daniel Johnston, who portrayed war correspondent Thomas Chester Morris, reflected on the current political landscape, saying, “We’re in a civil war now. Americans are so very deeply divided politically and morally on things.” He urged attendees to draw lessons from history, explaining, “It tells you how far you’ve come.”
Reenactment as a Tool for Understanding
The decision to host the event at the Northbrook Sports Club, located on a 100-acre farm site, was influenced by a desire to avoid public-agenda issues associated with previous locations provided by the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Steve Fratt, who organized the battles and portrayed General George Meade, expressed that the event serves as a crucial perspective-building exercise. “The point of history is to understand,” he stated.
The afternoon’s battle demonstration featured a detailed narrative by Fratt, as the sounds of cannon fire echoed across the field. Attendees were visibly moved by the realism of the reenactment, with many expressing admiration for the meticulous attention to detail exhibited in the encampments and surgical tents.
Bill Haines from Winthrop Harbor remarked, “There was a definite air of authenticity. Those that organize the reenactment, and participate in it, really care about what they’re doing and how it presents to the public.”
The Hainesville Civil War Encampment not only offered a platform for historical education but also encouraged reflection on contemporary societal issues, illustrating the enduring relevance of history in understanding current challenges.
