"General Rousseau commanding the division, rode up to the adjutant who happened to be alone at the head of the regiment, the colonel and major being at other points along the line of the regiment, and pointing to the front said, 'Place that regiment in that corn-field, facing that way.'" -- Michael H. Fitch, Echoes of the Civil War As I Hear Them
On October 8, 1862, the men of the 21st Wisconsin Infantry experienced battle for the first time, just 33 days after the regiment had been mustered into service. Serving in John C. Starkweather's 28th Brigade of the Army of the Ohio, the men of the 21st Wisconsin saw the horrifying face of war during the Kentucky Campaign of 1862. In a battle they would come to call either "Chaplin Hills" or "Perryville," this regiment of volunteers suffered their first casualties from enemy fire. They were hungry, thirsty, tired and lacked training. They were in the midst of their first extended march of the war when orders came down, placing this regiment in a cornfield that the veterans would remember sorrowfully.
On October 8-10, 2010, the Old Northwest Volunteers will be hosting a living history that will showcase the service of the 21st Wisconsin during the battle of Perryville. Along with activities usually planned for a living history, the event organizers hope to offer participants some new and unique experiences as well.
The schedule for the event is not being released prior to the event, but you can expect public demonstrations, take part in some retrospective moments, and perform duties of a soldier of 1862. The planned activities all relate to the historical record of the 21st Wisconsin.
This will be a mobile event, so please be prepared to march and carry everything you will need with you.
The registration fee for the event with be $25.00 This fee will cover the cost of rations, with any leftover funds being donated to support Civil War preservation. Registration will be handled electronically.
This event is invitation only. The event organizers will only accept registrations from those who have been invited to participate.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dan McGraw, Steve Acker, or Andy Ackeret.