A great way to spend a family vacation is at the Annual Gettysburg Reenactment.
This is a yearly Civil War battle reenactment that takes place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania every year in early July.
It is very likely the biggest Civil War reenactment.
With a huge number of reenactors, sutlers, musicians, and all kinds of activities, it is a great event to learn about one of the major turning points in the War Between the States.
The reenactors, from both North and South, spare no expense in trying to look as authentic as possible.
Even their sleeping arrangements, and their food is true to the period.
Reenactments have strict rules regarding the replica guns that they are allowed to use.
Obviously, they are not allowed to load the ball into their replica guns, but only load the powder.
Additionally, many sites only permit the reenactors to tamp their rifle butt on the ground, for additional safety measures.
The event is three days filled with much activity.
Of course, all of the major skirmishes of the battle are reenacted, such as Pickett's Charge.
What makes Gettysburg a unique experience is the fact that a knowledgeable narrator is constantly telling the audience about what both sides are doing during the skirmishes.
These narrators are well-versed historians who most likely also give tours of the battlefield year-round.
Another interesting area is sutler's row.
This is a long line of civil war vendors, who sell authentic reproductions of reenactor gear, replica guns, collectibles, antiques, gifts, and so many other interesting civil war items.
Last time we were there, we purchased a Robert E.
Lee pocket watch.
My favorite part of the event was when the generals and officers would gather in the big tents and give talks about their strategies, and thoughts about what went on during this time.
This is very interesting, as the reenactors take this very seriously, and really know their stuff, sometimes even poking fun at each other at times.
I also really enjoyed the authentic music that filled the campgrounds.
Particularly, a band called the 2nd South Carolina String Band.
This is a group of talented musicians who really capture the time period perfectly.
They play awesome music! Music was a pretty big part of the Civil War and these guys really liven up the reenactment with their period music.
One of the final events is a cannonball artillery demonstration.
This is a really interesting competition between the North and the South cannonball artillery men.
They each take several shots at a target, and if the cannonball hits the target, it explodes.
It is amazing to see how high up in the air those cannonballs fly.
Just like the traditional cavalry reenactors with their replica guns and swords, these guys have invested a lot of time and effort into becoming skilled artillery men.
The Battle of Gettysburg was a huge part of the Civil War, and it is easy to see why so many people love to go to the reenactment, to learn about an important part of American History.