From Kennesaw to Montevallo...
- Jason A. Sumner
- 9 minutes ago
- 13 min read
The late spring into the early summer months have kept me incredibly busy as we have transitioned from pleasant temperatures into the thrawls of the summer’s unrelenting heat. I am, however, excited to share that despite these unpleasant conditions, I have soldiered on… no pun intended.
Kennesaw Mountain Infantry Program with the 31st Alabama / 79th Pennsylvania (30th - 31st May, 2026)
Our annual infantry program at Kennesaw Mountain again grew and saw great turnout from the company. Not only had our numbers increased at the program this year, so too, had our inventory of historical items to share with the public. In attending the event at Kennesaw, the company successfully defied the threat of rain and prevailed against the elements to present a great encampment and wonderfully executed series of demonstrations that featured both Federal and Confederate Impressions.
The Encampment
Our encampment featured a great deal of canvas as the weather was poorly equipped to provide the pleasantry we so desperately desired for the weekend’s event. However, the additional canvas allowed for us to continue our displays at times in which it saw fit to rain upon us. Though intermittent, the overall delivery of the program was not seriously interrupted at all by the weather as we were well prepared. The canvas featured multiple applications of period shelters found throughout the Atlanta Campaign among both Federal and Confederate camps. Of course, a number of our members decided to stick to the campaigner way of things and preferred to risk their comfort and slept in the open upon their groundclothes, much as the men of the period did, not by choice, but by circumstance.
Displays
As expected, our reputation as the rolling museum was upheld as we again delivered a display that would make most civil war fans water at the mouth when viewing so many original rifles in one location. As per the park’s policy, these items were not allowed to be handled by the public, given that they are actual weapons and delicate. Of course, that did not stop us from picking them up and showing them to those curious. Our First Sergeant mostly conducted this particular “station” and we set the camp in a manner as to draw in those walking from the visitor’s center first. It was a rather convenient way to capture the attention of the public and to guide or funnel them through our encampment.
Cooking
Up the “hill” from the weapons display, Lt. Jennings manned the cooking station and spent the entirety of the weekend dedicated to this task for the company. This was by design, and went rather well. Typically, this task was undertaken by the soldiers in the form of “messes” of which three to four sometimes more, would pool their rations together and carry out the shared burden of cooking and preparing food. This included additionally carrying those items needed to cook food if available, the collection of water, the collection of wood for a cooking fire, and so on. Each man had a role and would assist in the process in order to share in the burden. Mess mates often shared shelter as well and were more than often good friends from the same communities or not uncommonly, of some relation to one another in certain instances dependent on the size of the community in which the company was raised.
Demonstrations
For this particular program, we decided to employ both impressions for the public as to create a side-by-side comparison of each uniform (Confederate - Army of the Tennessee / Late War & Union - Army of the Cumberland / Late War).I believe this was the way to go as the public was easily able to identify the differences in the uniforms, but also the many similarities between each period impression. The company does a lot of research to ensure that we “get it right,”meaning that our uniforms (not costumes) are of proper construction and materials and often include handsewn elements.
We have a saying “Buy Once, Cry Once,” regarding the very high cost of our impressions, but purchasing the historically accurate reproductions, means purchasing quality items that will last a very long time if properly cared for and allow us to deliver quality programming. Further, opportunities to conduct infantry programs and demonstrations like these are wonderful returns on the investments we have each personally made in our efforts to educate others about our nation’s history and this very important period in our history.
Our infantry program was quite standard for what is asked of company’s working with Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, with four demonstrations held each day. To prevent fatigue given the warmer temperatures, I rotated membership between demonstrations so that many within the unit did no more than two or three demonstrations each day. When not participating in the demonstrations, company members were engaged in working the different stations established within our encampment, engaging with the public and answering questions regarding each station's unique purpose. I was proud to see the number of folks visiting the park for recreation, stop and actually take interest in our encampment.
We fielded a number of really good questions about what we do as living historians and many regarding the weapons and equipment that we displayed. We, of course, got our fair share of the “did you really stay out here last night?” and “are those uniforms hot?” all of which are typical inquiries for us and everyone who takes time to participate in this undertaking.
Load in Nine Times / Fire three times within a Minute’s time Competition
We did have a little fun at the conclusion of the program on Sunday with a small competition in which Sergeant Sibley and Corporal Browning competed for a “trophy” in the loading and the firing of their muskets - three shots in under one minute’s time. The loading of a period rifle was trained in nine stages or steps to properly load and discharge the weapon.
Orders Given:
Load - Open Cartridge Box
Handle Cartridge
Tear Cartridge
Charge Cartridge
Draw Rammer
Ram Cartridge
Return Rammer
Prime
Shoulder Arms
More precisely and taken from Casey’s Drill Manual:
"Load in Nine Times" From Casey's Drill Manual
1. LOAD.*
156. (First motion.) Same as the first position of present arms No. 143.
(Second motion.) Carry the piece to the left side with the left hand—butt upon the ground—barrel to the front—piece inclined to the right and front resting upon the left thigh, muzzle six inches in front of the centre of the body—right hand grasping the piece just below the upper band, and left hand extended upon the piece.
(Third motion.) Seize the piece with the left hand at the muzzle and carry the right hand to the cartridge box.
*Whenever the loadings and firing are to be executed, the instructor will cause the cartridge boxes to be brought to the front.
2. Handle—CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
157. Seize the cartridge with the thumb and next two fingers, and place it between the teeth.
3. Tear—CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
158. Tear the paper to the powder, hold the cartridge upright between the thumb and first two fingers, near the top ; in this position place it in front of and near the muzzle—the back of the hand to the front.
4. Charge—CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
159. Empty the powder into the barrel ; disengage the ball from the paper with the right hand and the thumb and first two fingers of the left ; insert it into the bore, the pointed end uppermost, and press it down with the right thumb ; seize the head of the rammer with the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, the other fingers closed, the elbows near the body.
5. Draw—RAMMER.
One time and three motions.
160. (First motion.) Half draw the rammer by extending, the right arm ; steady it in this position with the left thumb ; seize the rammer between the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand the thumb under and the finger over the rammer ; fingers extended, palm of the hand to the front.
161. (Second motion.) Clear the rammer from the pipes by extending the arm ; the rammer in prolongation of the pipes, palm of the hand to the front.
162. (Third motion.) Turn the rammer by closing the fingers, the little end passing near the left shoulder, turning the back of the hand to the front ; steady it by extending the forefinger of the right hand ; place the head of the rammer on the ball, the rammer in prolongation of the barrel.
6. Ram—CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
163. Insert the rammer as far as the right, and steady it in this position with the thumb of the left hand ; seize the rammer at the small end with the thumb and fore-finger on the right hand, the back of the hand to the front ; press the ball home, the elbows near the body.
7. Return—RAMMER.
One time and three motions.
164 (First motion.) Draw the rammer half—way out, and steady it in this position with the left thumb ; grasp it near the muzzle with the right hand, the thumb under and fore-finger above the rammer, the fingers extended ; clear the rammer from the bore by extending the arm, the palm to the front, the rammer in the prolongation of the bore.
165. (Second motion.) Turn the rammer, the head passing near the left shoulder, the fingers closed, the rammer held between the thumb and fore-finger, nails to the front ; insert the rammer, until the hand reaches the muzzle.
166. (Third motion.) Force the rammer home by placing the little finger of the right hand on the head of the rammer ; extend the left hand down the piece without depressing the shoulder.
8. PRIME.*
One time and two motions.
167. (First motion.) With the left hand raise the piece till the hand is as high as the eye, grasp the small of the stock with the right hand ; half face to the right ; place, at the same time, the right foot behind and at right angles with the left ; the hollow of the right foot against the left heel. Slip the left hand down to the lower band, the thumb along the stock, the left elbow against the body ; bring the piece to the right side, the butt below the right fore-arm—the small of the stock against the body and two inches below the right breast, the barrel upwards, the muzzle on a level with the eye.
* If Maynard’s primer be used, the command will be, load in eight times, and the eighth command will be, shoulder arms, and executed from return rammer, in one time and two motions, as follows : (First motion.) Raise the piece with the left hand, and take the position of shoulder arms, as indicated No. 145. (Second motion.) Drop the left hand quickly by the side.
168. (Second motion.) Half cock with the thumb of the right hand the fingers supported against the guard and the small of the stock—remove the old cap with one of the fingers of the right band, and with the thumb and fore-finger of the same hand take a cap from the pouch, place it on the nipple and press it down with the thumb ; seize the small of the stock with the right hand.
9. Shoulder—ARMS
One time and two motions.
169. (First motion.) Bring the piece. to the right, shoulder and support it there with the left hand, face to the front ; bring the right heel to the side of and on a line with the left ; grasp the piece with the right hand as indicated in the position of shoulder arms.
170. (Second motion.) Drop the left hand quickly by the side.
This manual is likened greatly to its predecessor, authored by General Hardee, who had served the United States until the resignation of his commission. Being a Southerner and unwilling to fight against the south, he instead took a commission in the Confederate Army, thus prompting the Federal Government to later adopt a new manual of arms.
Until Next Time…
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park continues to hold a very fond place in my heart, not only given the wonderful staff who we’ve enjoyed getting to know and work with these past few years, but also because of the wonderful effort and great work they are doing to continue to educate the public on this period in our nation’s history. You’ve likely already read of my sentiments on why we do what we do, but I cannot overstate my convictions regarding our desires to properly portray this period in our collective past. Further, it is incredibly refreshing to work with the park staff to put on the educational programs in which we undertake. They are always open to new ideas, and very much support what we do as living historians. They truly are an incredible group of people and I hold them in the highest regards and with the utmost appreciation.
Two Hundred and Fifty Years of Liberty - Celebrating American Independence at the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama
I had the tremendous honor and privilege of working with fellow living historians at the American Village in Montevallo, Alabama in the celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary. Now, typically, if you’ve read my post or followed along with the information that I post on this site, you fully expect to read American Civil War, but you may be quite surprised to learn that I have both grown in my interests, and have ventured into the Revolutionary War period. Yes, it has been a rather expensive venture, but I have very much enjoyed learning about this period and about the many different nuances that go along with informing and executing a proper impression.
What is the American Village?
You might be surprised to learn about this hidden gem nestled deep in the interior of Alabama, just south of Birmingham in Shelby County. It is quite a site for anyone who’s not had the opportunity to visit and I would highly, highly encourage and recommend that one take the time to do so.
The American Village may best be described as an experience; however, to put it in their own words, here is an excerpt from their page: “Puritan John Winthrop gazed at the shore from the deck of the ship Arabella in 1630, and told the new colonists, “For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill.” President Ronald Reagan adapted the imagery to describe America’s role as a bearer of the light of liberty. Our founders believed that the architecture of public buildings should symbolize the principles of the new Republic. The American Village — designed to be a classroom, a stage, a theatre, and museum of ideas — is evocative of America’s founding. Set upon a hill, and modest in scale, the American Village offers a beacon of liberty.” (Source: https://www.americanvillage.org/history/)
More than a simple collection of beautiful, accurate, and wonderfully recreated period buildings - replicas of their original counterparts, the place very specifically speaks to the birth of our nation, our founders values, as well as their dreams for what our republic could be. Supported by a wonderful and dedicated staff, American Village continues to deliver on its mission of education and dedication by offering a diverse array of programs and opportunities for young Americans to discover and learn about our nation’s founding.
Continental or British Regular… You Decide...
Well, it should be of no surprise that I have engaged in the portrayal of both. It felt very wrong to me to wear red on the 4th of July, but it would be very dishonest of me if I said that I weren’t a fan of the sharpness of the regimental coat with blue facings and white lace. Of course, my lottery coat did not disappoint either as it features the red facings, the style adopted by the colony of Pennsylvania, and later, the official adoption of the United States Army following the war. Why Pennsylvania?, well the resident company of living historians portray the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment of Foot.
For this particular event which encompassed programs on both Friday the 3rd and Saturday the 4th, we had a mixture of time periods represented, paying homage to our military throughout almost every era of our nation’s history. However, for the celebration of our nation’s history, it was most necessary to recreate a period skirmish, between his majesty’s forces and those rebellious colonists. It is for this purpose that I dawned the dreaded red regimental coat and committed to saving the king’s colonial possessions from themselves. Interestingly enough, as it just so happened to be scheduled and scripted, the colonial army would take the day, each day. After all, it was a celebration of the independence of our nation and therefore wholly appropriate that his majesty’s regulars and mercenaries should be driven off the field in each day’s fight. To this end, we surely did not disappoint, as I ran away the first day and died gallantly for king and country the following; each time, mind you, to cheers from those spectating. This was a rather surreal and shocking discovery, as I had never heard of or seen a crowd of onlookers react in this way. Notably, when speaking on the mercenaries, these individuals consisted of my friends from the voices of the past, who portray Hessian Jaegers.
Jaegers and my friends in the Voices of the Past
My were their impressions impressive; so much so, that I have decided to join them in the cause in coming months as this particular group of living historians are the only group to provide this particular impression in the southeastern United States. As to what the Jaegers were… German Mercenaries, men from the forests of the Hessan-Kessel province, who served as an elite light infantry force for the crown in the American Revolution. They performed a number of tasks for the crown’s forces in the colonies from serving as a van guard at times to reconnaissance. The Voices of the Past are a local company of living historians, whom I have worked with for many years now, that provide this impression among many others from multiple eras of our nation’s history! (https://www.facebook.com/voicesofthepast03)
If you have the time, I strongly encourage a trip to the link provided to their facebook page, where you can find information regarding their various undertakings and collect information about upcoming events.
Fireworks!
The event culminated with a truly awesome fireworks show that I briefly recorded. What a fantastic way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the declaration of our nation’s sovereignty, and a true honor to have had the opportunity to work with a great group of living historians to put on programming that supported such a celebration.
Dissertation Update:
Cultural Leadership in Living History: A Descriptive Phenomenological Analysis of Event Coordinators and Reenactors’ Experiences at Civil War Reenactments
It’s complete, and I am very relieved and honored to share that I successfully defended my disrtation, having done so on Monday, July 13th. Thanks be to God, for the opportunity to pursue and earn this degree and for the many living historians, event coordinators, and the National Park Service Personnel that assisted me, encouraged me, and worked with me throughout this process.
I am proud to have completed this work and now work towards publishing the dissertation and the composition of articles for submission to academic journals. These will inform the foundation of the book that I have sought to write on the subject, one that will not be as limited by a prescribed structure, and will allow for interjection of additional information.
Thanks for following along to those of you who take the time to read and explore my site, your support of our efforts are greatly appreciated and valued!
Dr. Jason A. Sumner, Ph.D.