Nathan Bedford Forrest Great Escape Civil War
Living History
Walk the battlefield trails to visit military and civilian areas featuring
mid-nineteenth century civilian and military demonstrations.
Visit encampments of both Confederate and Union soldiers –
view camp life, drills, medical and skirmish demonstrations.
Attend cannon drill demonstrations presented by
Rice's, Bankhead’s, White’s and Freeman’s Batteries.
In the
area of the log cabin homestead enjoy all-day civilian activities
and demonstrations presented by the 19th Alabama Civilian Corp.
Stroll through Sutlers row for a sampling of Civil War era shopping.
Saturday, June 12th - 9
a.m. till 5p.m.
Sutlers Row and Living History Areas Open
9:30 - Cannon Drill Demonstration
11a.m. - Military Demonstration - "Dunham's Retreat"
Relive the moments forces under the command of Union Colonel Cyrus Dunham
retreated from Hick's field to the split rail fence. Once reformed, the Union troops
will charge Confederate Colonel George Dibrell's command and Nat Baxter's
artillery three times and will be repelled. The scenario will end as Union
soldiers fall back after his third unsuccessful attack.
12:30- 1:30 p.m. – Ladies Garden Party
The Ladies of Parkers Crossroads cordially invites all ladies attending
the living history to their garden party held in the hospitality tent.
Enjoy ladies era music and sweets.
2 p.m. Military Demonstration -"Dunham's Counter Attack"
This scenario will re-live the moments of Dibrell's frontal assault and
Dunham's
stand. Freeman's Battery will launch the assault deep on Dunham's right, while
Dibrell's dismounted cavalry attack the front. To the left Napier's men press the
attack and on the third push Confederate Colonel Alonzo Napier is mortally
wounded. The scenario ends upon the death of Colonel Napier.
3 p.m. Cannon Drill Demonstrations
4 p.m. Military
Demonstration -
"Starnes & Russell's Attack on the Union Supply Wagons"
This scenario will relive the moments of Nathan Bedford Forrest's infamous
flanking maneuver and shows why it took extra time for Confederate Colonels
J. W. Starnes, Thomas Woodward, and R.R. Russell to get their men into
position for their rear assault on the Union line. Dunham's teamsters put up
a valiant fight to ward off the Confederate Cavalry, but eventually give way
to the overwhelming odds. The scenario ends after the wagons are captured.
Sunday June 13th - 9
a.m. till 4 p.m. –
Sutler Row and Living History Areas Open
10 a.m. Period Church Service – brush arbor style
A non-denominational service will be held in the hospitality tent.
The public is invited to attend.
11 a.m. Cannon Drill Demonstration
2 p.m. Military Demonstration – The Great Escape, “Charge ‘em Both Ways”
This scenario will relive the moments of Confederate General Nathan Bedford
Forrest’s great escape. The scenario begins with Dunham’s men surrounded once
again and making a valiant stand. General Forrest orders a final push and Dunham’s
troops hoist a white flag of truce. Terms of surrender are being discussed as Colonel
Jeremiah Sullivan overtakes Dibrell and Cox’s horse holders in the Parker orchard.
The gunfire alerts Forrest he has enemy forces on his rear. Seeing reinforcements have arrived, Dunham orders his men to capture Forrest and his men. Refusing to be
captured, Forrest shouts, “Charge ‘em both ways, boys!” The battle erupts once
again as Starnes, Woodward, and Russell begin to fight their way out of the snare
that has been set for them. To buy time, Forrest calls upon his escorts to charge toward Sullivan’s position. With the bulk of the Confederates charging Dunham’s position
and escaping toward Lexington, Forrest and his escorts charge Sullivan forcing
him into a defensive posture. The scenario ends as Forrest and his escorts manage
to make their great escape down the Lexington pike.
4 p.m. Event Closes