ARMIES THROUGH TIME
APRIL 12-13, 2008; 10 am – 5 pm daily
Fun, educational military time line. No battles!
Want a face-to-face chat with a Roman soldier, or learn more about the Civil War’s men in Blue and Grey? You and the family will enjoy the superb line up of re-enactors depicting warriors from ancient times to the camouflaged soldiers of today at this fun, educational military timeline. Weapons and drill demonstrations, in-camp interpretations, war dogs, military displays and sutlers with period merchandise make this a family outing not to be missed. Free parking & food concessions.
No pets!
Daily: $8 adults, $6 seniors and military, $3 ages 6-12, free 5 & under; $20 family (2 adults/3 kids under 12). Schedule to follow.
Historic Camden, South Broad
Street, Camden, SC,
1.4 miles on Hwy 521
North from I-20/Exit 98.
Information: (803) 432-9841, email hiscamden@camden.net
If
you're into pirates, crave a face-to-face chat with a Roman soldier, or are
interested in the Scottish Wars for Independence, then mark your calendar for
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site's newest event: Armies Through Times.
This military time-line event will be held on April 14-15th from 10am-5pm on the
lower grounds of Historic Camden. Daily admission is $7 for adults, $5 for
seniors and military, $4 for ages 6-12, and free for kids five and under. A $20
family package is available also (2 adults and up to 5 kids under age 12). Kids
- be sure to dress in your favorite pirate costume when you come on Sunday.
Prizes will be awarded for the best pirate costume ages up to 7 and ages 8-12,
followed by a Kids Pirate Parade at 1:30 pm, part of the Pass and Review finale.
According to Joanna Craig, director of Historic Camden, there will be no daily
battle at this event. "Since we do battles at our annual Revolutionary War
Field Days event (scheduled for November 3-4, 2007), we decided that folks would
enjoy seeing how military uniforms, weapons and tactics have evolved over
time," she said.
Instead of a big encampment interpreting one military time period, visitors will
stroll past mini encampments of re-enactors depicting warriors from ancient
times to the camouflaged soldiers of today. Static displays will include "A
Ring, A Razor and A Pipe, a fascinating exhibit of uniforms, equipment, weapons,
music and personal items developed by Dane Coffman in tribute to his
grandfather, Ralph E. Coffman, and those who served in WWI. According to
Coffman, his grandfather was just an ordinary guy who served briefly in
"The Great War" -- just long enough for intriguing stories, such as
"Sergeant York, why I used to cut his hair!" to crop up and inspire
the grandson to learn more about Ralph E. Coffman and the soldiers of WWI .
Wartime produces many unsung heroes. One very special group that rarely receives
recognition is the war dogs who have served bravely alongside humans throughout
the history of combat. Under the trees near the historic Craven House visitors
will enjoy meeting Sheba and Shadow, two Siberian Huskies who are military
working dogs and belong to Johnny Mayo. They are part of Mayo's Vietnam War
exhibit, "Buck's Heroes: The War Dogs."
According to Mayo, at the beginning of WWII, military working dogs were limited
to 90 Siberian Huskies and Malamutes used for pack and sled dogs. Within a year
"Dogs for Defense" began a military dog-training program to test 42
breeds of dogs for combat suitability based on intelligence and agility. Seven
breeds made the cut: Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, German Shepards, Doberman
Pinches, Collies, Belgian Sheepdogs and Alaskan sled dogs. "In the 60 years
that have passed since WWII over 30,000 canines have loyally served this country
as war dogs," says Mayo. "Buck," Mayo's favorite canine war hero,
who died of old age several years ago, was the inspiration for Buck's Heroes,
which are tales of Vietnam War military dogs that will be available for $16.95.
The Roman Legion is considered the prime model for ancient military efficiency
and competence. You will understand why when you meet South Carolina's only
Roman Legion living history unit, Legio VI, the Sixth Imperial Legion of Rome,
who will interpret the life and times of the Roman Soldier and citizen in the
early 1st Century A.D. Historically, Legio VI was headquartered in Judea from 9
B.C. to 73 A.D, having served Julius Caesar in Gaul and Egypt and awarded the
nickname "Ferrata" or "The Iron Legion." Legio VI was one of
many infantry units of the Roman army during the eras of late Roman Republic and
the Roman Empire. Varying in size from 4,200-6,200 legionaries, legions
initially were created, used and disbanded as needed rather used as standing
armies.
Tom Dunbar of Cayce, South Carolina, will present his award-winning impression
of a Scottish soldier who fought in the Wars of Scottish Independence, a series
of military campaigns waged between Scotland and England in the late 13th-early
14th centuries. Among the weapons he will discuss is the longbow, which became
highly developed by the tribal Welsh during these wars and took a heavy toll on
the English invaders. Made from a single piece of wood, the powerful longbow
required weekly training from a very young age. A skilled long bowman could
shoot 12 arrows a minute, making it a far superior weapon than the crossbow.
Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who passed through Camden in 1540, arrived in
North America in 1539. His documented 4,000 mile trek across the Southeast
United States enticed others, such as Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who founded
Saint Augustine, Florida in 1565. Re-enactors who portray the Men of Menedez
will interpret 16th century St. Augustine, including the weaponry (16th century
cannon, musket, crossbow, sword, and pike), armor, clothing, and camp life.
Nearby, several re-enactors from the St. Augustine Garrison will portray the
life and times of Spanish soldiers and their families in the Presidio de San
Augustine in 1740.
The pirate camp will be set up by the footbridge. It will include a tavern and
who knows what else! Regardless, it's sure to be a crowd pleaser and not to be
missed!
Small-sized units will portray the military of the American Revolution and the
War of 1812 War. Considered the forgotten war, the War of 1812, often called the
"second war for independence," was the last war fought between the
United States and Great Britain. Re-enactors will interpret the Royal North
British Fusiliers' 21st Regt. of Foote, who fought at the Capitol in Washington,
D.C., Baltimore and New Orleans. Their presentation will include the use of a
fortification assault ladder.
Civil War buffs will meet units representing both the blue and grey of this war.
The Palmetto Living History Association, who relies on scholarly research and
integration to interpret the Confederate soldier of 1863, will provide in-depth
discourses about the infantry and cavalry units.
The Fifty-forth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. "I" will
interpret the best known of the all-black U. S. Army regiments formed during the
Civil War. The unit courageously led the failed assault on Battery Wagner on
Morris Island near Charleston on July 18, 1863, which earned them a place in
history and the 1989 film "Glory," starring Denzel Washington, Matthew
Broderick, and Morgan Freeman. The 54th served with valor in Florida, Georgia,
and South Carolina, including the Battle of Boykin, fought 10 miles south of
Camden.
Twentieth Century warfare will be represented by several units. The Infantry
Regiment 134, 44th Infantry Division (IR-134), will interpret the German Army's
IR-134 infantry division of WWII. Weaponry will include some 75mm IG 37/42 and a
VW Kubelwagen. The Soviet Army 76th Airborne will depict observation post and
airborne assault troops from the Afghanistan War era. Fox Company 505 Parachute
Infantry Regiment (PIR) is an 82nd Airborne Living History Detachment of active
duty soldiers from Ft. Bragg. Members will emphasize the achievements and
sacrifices of our airborne veterans through displaying and demonstrating the use
of period airborne equipment, weapons, and vehicles. The South Carolina State
Guard will expand on the warfare of today also.
Throughout the weekend period sutlers will sell nifty merchandise and food
concessions will be available. Viewing of "Sunrise at Gum Swamp," a ½
documentary on the Battle of Camden will be shown also. Event parking is free,
but no pets, please!