Thousands of Civil War reenactors and spectators gathered at Brandy Station Battlefield last weekend for the 165th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of First Manassas, billed by organizers as the country’s largest Civil War reenactment this year.
The two-day living history event featured large-scale infantry and cavalry maneuvers, artillery demonstrations and period encampments designed to recreate scenes from the opening major battle of the Civil War. Reenactors representing more than 25 organizations from across the country participated in the event at the historic battlefield in Culpeper County.
In addition to the battle reenactments, visitors explored military camps, merchant areas and other living history demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Photos by Luke Christopher
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- Actors portraying Union artillery soldiers line up six 10-pounder Parrott rifles before the battle.
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- Actors portraying Union artillery soldiers fire one of the six 10-pounder Parrott rifles towards the Confederates.
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- An actor portraying Union officer readies for battle resting on a 10-pounder Parrott rifle.
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- Event organizer Susan Ralston of Culpeper Battlefield Tours directs traffic after the battle reenactment.
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- Brett Bockman of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry American grooms a couple American Standardbreds after the battle reenactment.
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- Actors portraying Union troops march to the battlefield at Brandy Station.
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- Actors portraying Union Cavalry officers retreat as they did in the 1861 battle.
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- In 1861, Confederate uniforms lacked standardization. Early troops wore a hodgepodge of civilian clothes and pre-war militia uniforms.
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- Actors portraying Union infantry soldiers retreat as they did in the 1861 battle.
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- Union Cavalry officers retreat as they did in the 1861 battle.
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- Actors portraying Confederate infantry from the 7th Tennessee regiment charge Union soldiers.
