The Battle of Blackjack Grove, a Day of Living History
"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." - Marcus Garvey
"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
-George Santayana
This weekend, in the small town of Groveton, Texas, hundreds of reenactors and spectators came together to celebrate and preserve the history of these United States. The 2nd Annual Battle of Blackjack Grove, which took place in the field adjacent to Groveton ISD, was a day of "living history." There were approximately 10 sutler's tents, food vendors, and hundreds of men and women in uniforms of the civil war. For those of you who may not know, a Sutler is a person who sells period goods (clothing, munitions, foods, etc.) There were also several camp areas for the different troops, and a battlefield across from the cemetery.
Friday was a school day in which approximately 1,600 students from surrounding counties came to the encampments to learn about the history of the Civil War. Students were shown and taught about the cannons and guns of the time, customary dances, everyday activities, the living conditions of soldiers, and period fashion. Reenactors welcomed any and all questions that the students may have had, and did their best to convey the true feel of an actual Civil War era camp.
Saturday, there was a military parade culminating in the town square with a skirmish following. The Confederates "took over" the town of Groveton before proceeding back to the encampments. In early afternoon there was a lady's tea. Both reenactors and spectators were invited to have a period tea and learn about common social practices of the time. Later, infantry, mounted infantry, calvary, multiple artillery batteries, flying artillery, and a company of Marines took part in the battle. For this particular reenactment, the battle scenario was fabricated completely from fiction, as there never really was a "Battle of Blackjack Grove" in the Civil War. However, many similar battles held annually all across the nation are based very closely on the battles that actually took place there. The Union Troops overran the Confederates, who surrendered with the Union's permission to "mind their wounded and give their dead a Christian burial." The "dead and wounded" reenactors then stood up and returned to their companies to head back to their encampments.
Saturday night, there was a reenactor's dinner and 19th century ball. Women donned silk and taffeta, cotton and tulle ball gowns. Men sported their dazzling frock coats or the best shirts and neck ties. Men and boys alike escorted young ladies with a genteel elegance not seen often today. A five piece band played cheery southern tunes as women in sweeping gowns and men in high boots executed the waltz, the Virginia reel, the polka, and many more. A "Best Dressed" competition was also held during the ball.
Sunday morning, a church service was held in the camps featuring a message from the Book of Common Prayer, which was used extensively during the war. That afternoon, another battle was held. This time, the Confederates won and Union troops surrendered under a white flag. Shortly afterward the camps closed and another Battle of Blackjack Grove was in the books.
This event was a huge success due to all the hard work put in by the Trinity County Chamber of Commerce, reenactors, sponsors, volunteers, and many more. I would like to thank all of those involved and I cannot wait to return to this event next year,
