Posted 1-1-13

All Dressed Up and a Place to go . . . The 150th  Commemoration and Reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg!”

Veteran reenactors know when they have attended a good event. Some events that once were premier reenactments have seen sharp decline over the years becoming only a skeleton of what they once were. In many instances, we see a lack in the quality of scenarios, failure to enforce rules or to establish and uphold standards. We have heard again and again from reenactors insisting that organizers do what they need to do to make events what they ought to be in terms of quality and accuracy.

Our event organizers are approaching the 150th Gettysburg event with the same mindset that we have in researching and buying our uniforms and equipment. We focus on historical accuracy. Therefore, the details of the original battles will be incorporated into the scenarios including proper troop staging, movements, and outcomes achieved the way they historically occurred. Research is critical, first, to understand exactly what happened and, second, to plan the scenario keeping in mind many of the participants may know just as much about the battle, if not more. If a scenario is wrong, it isn’t worth the reenactors time. If an overly zealous commander chooses to break scenario, he has cheated everyone, including the spectators.

The serious reenactor strives for authenticity. Whether it’s our own impression, the unit we choose to join, or the events we attend. We want an experience that allows us a level of “immersion” into that time period where we all share a passion. I have seen many great impressions from all across the spectrum of reenacting--impressions that I know the individuals have put a good deal of research into--and many times we hear the phrase “museum quality” in describing uniforms and equipment.  We understand quality, and we can tell the difference when an impression is poor or when an event is poor.

“By reenactors for reenactors” is not a statement we take lightly. It is a promise to you that all Blue Gray Alliance events will be well-organized where you and your families will be provided with the very best logistical support possible with historically accurate scenarios that satisfy the reenactors and the spectators. We understand the dynamics of presenting high quality reenactments. We, the organizers will be participating alongside you, camping with you and will be there to meet any issue when it happens. We also employ a separate paid army to manage security, medical, sanitation, water, ice, hay, and the other logistics to assure a safe and successful event. If you, the reenactors, see the event as successful, the spectators will as well.  If the event preparation does not match the preparation of the reenactors, it will fail on a very basic level.

The Blue Gray Alliance Gettysburg presents reenactors with a unique opportunity to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The terrain will be very similar to that of the original battlefield and the numbers of troops will be there from every spectrum of reenacting and from most of the reenacting organizations in the nation. Scenarios are being painstakingly planned to be historically accurate in every possible detail.  It is our goal that this event, just like the authentic impressions you will wear, will be a “museum quality” event, worthy of its significance, its participants and a treasure to be long remembered.

Terry Shelton

Deputy event commander

Longstreet’s Corps

Blue Gray Alliance

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Posted 7-28-2012

On behalf of the Blue Gray Alliance and  Longstreet’s Corps, I am honored to welcome you to the 150th Commemoration and Re-Enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg. 

We are offering this event to provide an  environment where all types of re-enactors, from civilian to military, may  participate in historically accurate scenarios while keeping re-enactor needs and safety at the forefront. The scope of the reenactment will remain on the actual historical facts of this battle. Spectators are welcome and the event promises a family-friendly, affordable experience of history. 

Many of the member organizations of the Blue Gray Alliance have devoted themselves to support this historic effort. We have agreed to work together to pursue a common goal, a Gettysburg reenactment by re-enactors for re-enactors. Whether your unit is a member of the Blue Gray Alliance or not does not matter--you are encouraged to attend this event.  

Due to the significance of the 150th Commemoration of the battle of Gettysburg, the event will draw re-enactors from across the United States and internationally. The website will be updated regularly with information about which commands have registered as well as individual re-enactors. I will provide updates as to the planning and progress of the event.

So many of us have talked about this anniversary event for years and now it is upon us. We have but one chance to participate in a meaningful 150th
Gettysburg event. I ask for your support as we move forward to provide a
profound memory of “historical moments” for everyone. 
 
I have the honor to be,
Your humble servant,
General Terry Shelton

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Posted 8-11-2012

I have read, heard and been asked a lot of questions as to what type of event the 150th Commemoration and Re-Enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg this will be. The quick answer is it will be a mainstream event, but we will have campaign commands in place. There will be a camp for authentic civilians and living historians as well as a town of Gettysburg represented within the civilian camp. 

We expect this event to further solidify the Blue Gray Alliance based on the tremendous support offered by many of the member commands and individual units.  Each day we are picking up more and more inquiries and interest. We now have pledged units from across the nation and abroad asking questions and wanting additional information. People want to know about the battles, living histories and planning. We welcome questions since our paramount goal is to provide re-enactors with the very best event we can. It is crucial for everyone to understand that for all of us to come together for this event is a significant contribution to its success.
 
Many have asked if there will be bleachers and numerous gators that distract from the historical background of an event. With the exception of EMS vehicles, I can say that the gator brigade will not be invited.  It is our opinion that bleachers can present more of a sports stadium atmosphere rather than the setting for an authentic historical reenactment. Spectators are welcome and the event will be family- friendly and affordable—about the price of a movie ticket for a day pass.

At this reenactment, YOU, the re-enactor will be taken care of and provided with best logistical support we can arrange. Planning is underway for camp locations, water, ice, firewood, hay, and porta-johns including where to best place those for convenience as well as appearance. We understand that many of the re-enactors do not often get to travel to Gettysburg. We will soon announce plans to allow you to arrive very early, setup camps, and have time to visit the battlefield and town of Gettysburg before the event begins.  
  
Besides logistics, authentic battle scenarios are crucial to all of us. Those are being developed and will provide intensity and excitement. We will start with McPherson’s Ridge and continue to Culp’s Hill, which will include a night attack. Then, we will go on to the 2nd days’ battles of AP Hill’s attack and Longstreet’s attack against the federal left and right flanks followed a short time later with Little Round Top. We will include the Fairfield and East Cavalry Field cavalry battles and then will deliver what will be an emotional climax for everyone: Pickett’s
charge. 
 
All of us know that the 150th Gettysburg anniversary will only happen once. We have just one shot to make it a memorable experience and we take that responsibility seriously. You are encouraged to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.  As we commemorate this historic anniversary,
we ourselves will make history by being part of it.
 
We must be true to history, because history is truth.
 
I have the honor to be,
Your humble servant,
Terry Shelton
Deputy Event Commander
The 150thCommemoration and Reenactment of the
Battle of Gettysburg

General Terry Shelton (Longstreet's Corps) Commanding

First Corps
General Barry Woods, Commanding (Longstreet's Corps)
Surgeon Major Ransom Autry
1st Division Infantry Gen Bill Russell (Longstreet's Corps)
    1st Brigade Col Robert Stowe (Longstreet's Corps)
          1st Battalion Col Tim Smith (Longstreet's Corps)
          2nd Battalion Col Ray Pickett (Longstreet's Corps)
          3rd Battalion Col Steve Haden (Longstreet's Corps)
          4th Battalion Col Thomas Tarkenton (Longstreet's Corps)
          5th Battalion Col Chris Burns (Georgia Division)
    2nd Brigade Gen Ken Wilt (Jackson's Corps)
         1st Battalion Col Duffie Miller (Jackson's Corps/5th Regiment)
          2nd Battalion Col Bryan Boyle (Southern Legion/Jackson's Corps)
          3rd Battalion Col N.E. Miller (Wise's Legion / Jackson's Corps)


Second Corps
General Joe Way Commanding (Cleburne's Division)
Cleburne's Division General Duane Hamby
King's Division General Jack King
Huckabee's Division General William Huckabee
Southern Division General Chris Anders

Artillery Commander
General Craig McCann (Longstreet's Corps)

Cavalry Commander
Brevet General Mickey Helms (Longstreet's Corps)