'Murica Weekend spent with self-made historians For many modern Americans (including myself), the thought of a Civil War reenactment carries racist undertones, given that the glorious outcome of these battles was abolition. I can't speak to all reenactments, but the battles at Gettysburg were not about celebrating or sanitizing the days of slavery, but rather retelling history and honoring ancestors. In fact, the entire focus of the events were focused on the stories of the town, the battles, and the people. Self-titled Living Historians were pleased to share the role of civilians in the war, restoration period, and building of the town. Within the rows of merchants and sutlers, one tent was dedicated to preserving another part of American history. This tent was dedicated to the preservation and salvation of Americana instruments, Prior to the Civil War, most places in Gettysburg were unnamed and unknown. There was no reason to name a wheat field. But after being stained with blood, it became The Wheatfield. Even though it was only a 3 day battle, over 30,000 people lost their lives on these fields. One more experience checked off our American Wanderlust Wishlist.
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