Over 80 Years of Military History at Fort Trumbull
If you learned history by memorizing dates, names, and places, this event will be a welcome change for you. On June 15, 2013, the Friends of Fort Trumbull will present an encampment of Civil War re-enactors, the 14TH CT VOL. INFANTRY, 2ND CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, inside Fort Trumbull, and the SECOND CONTINENTAL LIGHT DRAGOONS of the Revolutionary War on the South Lawn. This is a chance to experience the life of a common soldier, the role of women on the home front, the technology of each period, and the music and games of the eras. This event will present History as it should be experienced-live! Sheldon’s Horse, SECOND CONTINENTAL LIGHT DRAGOONS, is dedicated to giving the public a glimpse of cavalry life during the American Revolution. Sheldon’s Light Dragoons “strives to impart to the public an understanding of the sacrifices made by past Americans and the conditions under which they lived.” Their hope is to convey an authentic sense of this period, while instilling a sense of pride in our citizens. The Second Dragoons is currently led by Sal Tarantino. They will present Sword Drills, Dismounted Dragoon Drills, Mounted Exercise Drills, and Crossed Sabers Cavalry Demonstrations. More information is available at http://www.dragoons.info/Main.html The Civil War encampment inside the Fort will consist of soldiers and civilian re-enactors that will portray camp life and life on the home front. Of all the regiments Connecticut sent to the Union armies in the Civil War, the most famous was the 14th CVI. The regiment marched and fought with Mr. Lincoln’s Army, the Army of the Potomac, participating in 34 battles and skirmished. The 14th CVI lost more men killed in battle, in proportion to its size, and captured more prisoners, cannon, and battle flags than any other Connecticut regiment. The encampment is unique in that it will provide a glimpse into both the military and civilian aspects of the Civil War Era. The life of the common Union soldiers will be on display as they conduct drilling and firing demonstrations and open fire pit cooking of their noon meal. The importance of civilian women to the war effort will be evident through displays of the U.S. Christian Commission, which sent food and supplies to the troops, and the nursing and medical care women performed on and off the battlefields. Children will be encouraged to participate in period games and to take part in the drilling, by the soldiers, of young recruits from the public. Music of the Civil War Era will be highlighted throughout the day. Irving Moy is the coordinator for the CVI. For more information go to http://www.cof14thcvi.com/ Admission inside the Fort is: Adults-$6.00, Children 6-12-$2.00, under 6-Free. Admission to the South Lawn and Fort Grounds is Free. For a day when History will no longer be dry facts, bring the family to Fort Trumbull for Living History Day. The encampments will be at 90 Walbach Street, in New London from 10:a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a chance to learn history as it was lived. For more information go to www.fortfriends.org
