A City That Adores History
This week I have been deep in the process of editing and finalizing the next book in the Grayback series, and so have not gotten around to writing an in-depth blog post this week because, well, my brain is fairly well fried. I also have been rather stressed by the Orwellian purge of history happening in New Orleans, and had the idea of writing about something more positive. Rather than gripe about a city that hates its history, I decided to write about one that loves its past. This weekend I did have the opportunity to attend one of my favorite living history events, and it takes place in Jefferson, Texas, and so I will take a few moments to share a bit about this exciting event and the charming city that hosts it.
Jefferson is a true gem, tucked away in north east Texas but has more in common with the deep South than with what is thought of as iconic "Texas." From magnolia trees and crepe myrtles, brick streets and old mansions, to the downtown with its ironwork porches, it exudes a laid back, old fashioned southern charm. At one time, it was a booming river port and for many years during the mid to late 19th century it was the main entrance into Texas and riverboats made frequent runs to and from New Orleans. As a result, much of the older charm of New Orleans--which is clearly dead in the Big Easy today, which caters to crime and debauchery and is working hard to erase any valuable history--has blessedly been preserved in this small city. They even have Cajun and Creole restaurants as well as a Mardi Gras celebration.
Their largest weekend is their annual "Pilgrimage" festival, which lands on the first weekend in May. Begun decades ago by the city's garden club in order to raise money to restore the old buildings, it continues today with plant sales, a small craft fair, quilt show, parade, and a reenactment. The reenactment is a "what if scenario." The scenario is based on the idea of what if the Confederates had not been able to stop Union General Banks during the Red River Campaign? Banks' goal was to reach Texas, and Jefferson being one of the busiest cities in Texas, would have probably been the first target. Fortunately for the city of Jefferson, General Richard Taylor's army of Texans and Louisiana troops halted Banks at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill.
It has always moved me how much the city cares for this event, and even opens the entire downtown for reenactors to camp in parks and other green spaces, and even have a mock battle on the old streets. A larger battle takes place outside of town on a ranch.
For today, I will just finish by posting some of the photographs I took during the event this weekend and will have some more history or writing tips to muse over for next week. And if you are planning a vacation some time in the near future, and like me have decided to boycott New Orleans, you can book a room in one of the many excellent bed and breakfasts or stay in the oldest and longest running hotel west of the Mississippi River, go next door for a beignet at the Bayou Bakery, sample jams and jellies at the General Store, and then stroll down the quiet and timeless streets, absorbing the history that dwells around every corner.
If you wonder how and why I reenact and the importance I see in doing so, check out my blog from last week: Reenacting: Why I do it, and Why it is Important!
All text and images (c) S. H. Ford, 2017
Please do not use without permission.
Jefferson is a true gem, tucked away in north east Texas but has more in common with the deep South than with what is thought of as iconic "Texas." From magnolia trees and crepe myrtles, brick streets and old mansions, to the downtown with its ironwork porches, it exudes a laid back, old fashioned southern charm. At one time, it was a booming river port and for many years during the mid to late 19th century it was the main entrance into Texas and riverboats made frequent runs to and from New Orleans. As a result, much of the older charm of New Orleans--which is clearly dead in the Big Easy today, which caters to crime and debauchery and is working hard to erase any valuable history--has blessedly been preserved in this small city. They even have Cajun and Creole restaurants as well as a Mardi Gras celebration.
Their largest weekend is their annual "Pilgrimage" festival, which lands on the first weekend in May. Begun decades ago by the city's garden club in order to raise money to restore the old buildings, it continues today with plant sales, a small craft fair, quilt show, parade, and a reenactment. The reenactment is a "what if scenario." The scenario is based on the idea of what if the Confederates had not been able to stop Union General Banks during the Red River Campaign? Banks' goal was to reach Texas, and Jefferson being one of the busiest cities in Texas, would have probably been the first target. Fortunately for the city of Jefferson, General Richard Taylor's army of Texans and Louisiana troops halted Banks at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill.
It has always moved me how much the city cares for this event, and even opens the entire downtown for reenactors to camp in parks and other green spaces, and even have a mock battle on the old streets. A larger battle takes place outside of town on a ranch.
For today, I will just finish by posting some of the photographs I took during the event this weekend and will have some more history or writing tips to muse over for next week. And if you are planning a vacation some time in the near future, and like me have decided to boycott New Orleans, you can book a room in one of the many excellent bed and breakfasts or stay in the oldest and longest running hotel west of the Mississippi River, go next door for a beignet at the Bayou Bakery, sample jams and jellies at the General Store, and then stroll down the quiet and timeless streets, absorbing the history that dwells around every corner.
Confederate artillery begins the battle outside of town.
Well placed pyrotechnics make the mock battle a little more intense.
A flying artillery team gallops by.
Fire!
The blue line held on Saturday but collapsed on Sunday.
If you wonder how and why I reenact and the importance I see in doing so, check out my blog from last week: Reenacting: Why I do it, and Why it is Important!
All text and images (c) S. H. Ford, 2017
Please do not use without permission.
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