2019 Battle of Reseca Reenactment
Experience the thunder of cannon at the 155th Anniversary Battle of Reseca Reenactment on May 17-19, 2019 at the original Reseca Battlefield in Reseca, Georgia. Each year on the third weekend in May, the GDRA and the Battle of Resaca, Inc., host the annual Battle of Reseca Reenactment. The event takes place on over 650 acres of the original battlefield and includes a battle on both Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds from the event go towards battlefield preservation.
Battle of Reseca Reenactment
Whether you are a spectator or reenactor, a seasoned veteran of this reenactment, or just attending for the first time, we look forward to seeing you at our event! We have many exciting activities for this year’s reenactment. Check out our event schedule for all of the activities that will be going on during the reenactment weekend.
The event will be held rain or shine!
The battles may be delayed while lightning is in the area, but they will begin as soon as possible.
Battle of Reseca Reenactment Planned Activities
* Exciting battles both Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
* Memorial service at the C.S.A. cemetery
* Camp tours and talks with the soldiers
* Continuous living history activities
* Cavalry competition
* Period medical demonstrations
* Ladies Tea with Guest Speaker
* Period church service
* Period dance on Saturday night
Battle of Reseca Reenactment Mini-Gallery
Morning a.m. School tours in Civilian activity area. School tour times will be provided with registration. See School Tours page for more information.
6:30 p.m. Event Officers Call at the Social Fly (Both armies and branches). Only officers and staff of Battalion level and above please attend.
7:30 p.m. Period dance instruction class at the Social Fly.
11:00 p.m. Registration closed. No vehicles in camp overnight.
12:00 a.m. All quiet.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion][su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”Saturday Schedule”] 7:00 a.m. Reveille.
7:00 a.m. Registration opens.
7:00-9:00 a.m. Camps open for reenactor vehicles to unload. All vehicles out of camps by 9:00 a.m. & will not be permitted back in camp until after Sunday’s battle.
8:30 a.m. Morning Colors (Both armies at the Parade Ground).
9:00 a.m. Military & Civilian camps are open to the public.
9:00-11:00 a.m. Annual Reenactor Yard Sale (used period equipment & clothing) at the Social Fly. Will close at 11:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Memorial Service at the Resaca Confederate Cemetery. All reenactors are invited to attend.
10:00 a.m. Artillery Inspection.
10:00 a.m. All artillery vehicles towing cannon will be off the field until the battle is completed.
10:30 a.m. BATTLE TACTICAL BEGINS. Tactical will take place in the woods as troops march back from the Memorial Service. Not open to the public.
10:30 a.m. Medical presentation at the Medical Tent in the Living History area.
12:00 p.m. Ladies Tea hosted by the Gordon County Historical Society at the pool house. Bring your own cup. Event participants and Historical Society members only.
1:00 p.m. Weapons inspections completed.
Troops form on command prior to battle.
1:30 p.m. Camps closed to the public.
2:00 p.m. BATTLE REENACTMENT BEGINS
3:00 p.m. Battle ends / Camps open to the public.
5:00 p.m. 123rd New York Monument dedication ceremony.
6:00 p.m. All camps closed to the public.
7:00 p.m. Period dance at the Social Fly. Period participants only.
7:00 p.m. Registration closed.
12:00 a.m. All quiet.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion][su_accordion][su_spoiler title=”Sunday Schedule”] 7:00 a.m. Reveille.
8:00 a.m. Registration opens.
8:30 a.m. Morning Colors (Both armies at the Parade Ground).
9:00 a.m. Military & Civilian camps open to the public.
10:00 a.m. Non-denominational church service at the Social Fly. Bring your own chairs. Public welcome.
10:00 a.m. All artillery vehicles towing cannon will be off the field until the battle is completed.
10:30 a.m. Medical presentation at the Medical Tent in the Living History area.
12:00 p.m. Registration closed.
12:30 p.m. Cavalry competition on main field. Open to the public.
1:00 p.m. Weapons inspections completed.
Troops form on command prior to battle.
1:30 p.m. Camps closed to the public.
2:00 p.m. BATTLE REENACTMENT BEGINS
3:00 p.m. Battle ends.
Camps open to reenactor vehicles ONLY after all troops have arrived back in camp.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]
About the Battle Breenactments
Battle scenarios are being planned from the research of William R. Scaife, a noted historian and author of Campaign for Atlanta. Both Saturday and Sunday’s battles will be held on the same field but with a different scenario – and maybe a surprise or two. Since 1999, the Battle of Reseca Reenactment has become famous for its aggressive battles and surprise tacticals. Extensive recreations of breastworks and Van den Corput’s redoubt also await your visit.
Reenactors
Both Federal and Confederate camps are located in reenactor-friendly sites within easy reach of the sutlers, vendors, and reenactor parking. Both encampments will be located close to the respective 1864 lines of battle. Firewood, bedding straw, and horse hay will be provided. For campaign-style reenactors, camping will be permitted in or near the breastworks, but all amenities will have to be secured from the main static camp areas. On Sunday morning, a non-denominational church service will be conducted on-site at the Social Fly for all reenactors.
Visitors
Various civilian activities will be conducted during the Battle of Reseca Reenactment. Period sutlers, authentic civilian and refugee camps, and modern concessions will be available. On Saturday morning, all reenactors are encouraged to attend the Memorial Service at the Resaca Confederate Cemetery located at the south end of the farm. The cemetery is the final resting place of 450 soldiers and is one of the first two such Confederate Cemeteries established in our nation. Later Saturday evening, a period social and dance will be held for all reenactors, with period music.
School Tours
During Friday morning prior to the Battle of Reseca Reenactment, free school tours will be provided for our area youth. This educational service is for all of our area public and private schools, home schools, church youth groups, and scout troops who would enjoy learning more about the American Civil War. Learn More
Shuttle Transportation
The Gordon County Antique Tractor Club will provide free transportation from the spectator parking area to the battle site each day. They will also be available throughout the event to assist stranded motorists.
Other Reseca Civil War Sites
While in the area, be sure to visit the new Resaca Battlefield Historic Site that is open now on weekends. This important battlefield is located just off of I-75 at Exit 320 just miles from the reenactment site. The new battlefield park features hiking trails and interpretive markers. A new visitor center will also be opening soon.
Also while in the area, be sure to visit the Fort Wayne Civil War Historic Site just yards from downtown Resaca. This historic fort was part of the defensive earthworks guarding the river and town of Resaca during the 1864 battle. After the battle, it was occupied by Federal troops.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The main reenactor parking has been moved to a new location for your convenience and for a much shorter walk to camp. A trail head at the back of this area leads to the CS Campaign camp. A new foot bridge over the creek connects the Campaigner area and the static CS Camp, allowing easier access to the Sutlers.
- Due to liability issues, the Battle of Reseca Reenactment Event Staff will not allow reenactors OR the public the personal use of any type of recreational four-wheelers, off road motorcycles, golf carts or similar type vehicles to operate on site. Transportation will be provided to and from the spectator and handicapped parking areas.
- Due to troop camp locations, no MODERN CAMPING will be available for RV vehicles, campers or modern tentage, etc. Modern camping is available at the KOA Campground (10 minutes away) located just off I-75 (Exit 315 – Red Bud Road) at 2523 Red Bud Road N.E. The phone number is: 706-629-7511.
- The Boy Scout camp is available upon advanced approval.
- No non-reenactors, except for medical emergency personnel, will be permitted past the spectator line during the battles.
Resaca Battlefield Preservation
A portion of the Battle of Resaca Reenactment proceeds geso towards the preservation of the Resaca battlefield land. To become more involved in the preservation efforts, contact the Friends of Resaca Battlefield, non-profit organization dedicated to that task. Learn More
About the Host: Georgia Division Reenactors Association, Inc.
The Battle of Resaca Reenactment is hosted annually by the many volunteers of the
Georgia Division Reenactors Association, Inc. (GDRA), a non-profit organization proudly serving Georgia since 1978. This event is put on for reenactors by reenactors, and for the enjoyment of the public in order for everyone to have an experience to remember. Come and relive this part of our history. Camp, fellowship, and fight on the very same historic ground as those brave soldiers did nearly 150 years ago.
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Battle of Reseca Reenactment in Reseca, Georgia the third weekend of May.
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