The Mad Genealogist

My brother is a Civil War buff and called me yesterday to wish me a happy 40th Birthday. After raking me over the coals about being over the hill he mentioned if i would like to go see Battle of Chickamauga Reenactment.

The Battle of Chickamauga hold special significance with my ancestry. I had at least 4 direct and 10 brothers of the direct ancestors that fought in the battle. My wifes side had at least 6 and 1 Union soldier from New York that deserted sometime after the battle and later became her GGGrand Father.

The Union soldier on my wife’s side was William A Hamilton from Genesee Co., New York. On my side, my GGGrand Father Leroy Calvin Bedwell and 2 brothers fought with Company I of the 19th Alabama Infantry Regiment. Leroys brother Thomas was wounded 5 times in the battle and was an invalid the rest of his life.

But what is special about this 145th reenactment is that it is supposed to be the largest yet. You can also purchase a ride on a period train and follow some of the route the Army of Northern Virginia took to get there. I will be there with my brother and sons to get a glimpse into what my ancestors saw that day 145 years ago, albeit without the horror and fear that they might have experienced.The Reenactment will be on September 19th, 20th and 21st.

If you live in the southeast and want to attend their website is at http://www.battleofchickamauga.net/