Bringing the Past to Life at ASC History Department involved in Civil War re-enactment (03-02-07)
The American Civil War lasted four bloody years. In that time the war claimed nearly a million casualties, half that resulted in deaths. Although this conflict between the States ended 142 years ago, the battles, in some respects, are not over. Many of the issues are still being resolved. However, historical interest, many people continue to engage in re-enactments of the battles.
Now, nearly a century and a half later, it is difficult to understand the experiences and the mindsets of those who participated in this conflict and the ways the battles were fought.
According to Adams State College Assistant Professor of Social Studies Dr. Richard Goddard, re-enacting the Civil War is a valid form of research that helps us understand this conflict from the perspectives of those who lived through it. These types of activities began about a century after the end of the conflict and have increased in popularity. For some, they are simply a hobby or a form of recreation, but for many they are a serious attempt to understand the past.
Goddard provides the following account of one such activity this past weekend:
"Upon recently receiving word that Confederate forces were moving north from Texas along the Rio Grande and were intent on capturing the gold and silver resources of Colorado, various Union forces in New Mexico and Colorado hastily assembled and moved south the meet the threat.
These forces included the Fort Garland Memorial Battery, an artillery unit recently formed at Adams State. Under the leadership of Major Richard Goddard, the unit included Corporal Melissa Shipp as gunner, and Privates Jordan Davis, Mallori Shortridge, and Greg Porter as cannoneers. The unit transported their 12-pound mountain howitzer with them.
Assembling with Union cavalry and infantry units near the town of Socorro, New Mexico, they engaged the Rebels in three battles on Feb.24 and 25. Confederate forces were in a strong position of earthworks constructed on the banks of the Rio Grande, but in a prolonged battle on the morning of the 24th, they were dislodged. However, that evening, the Rebel forces staged a counter attack and pushed the Union units back through Socorro. Fierce fighting, including artillery duels, took place in the streets of the town. Sunday morning, the 25th, saw the previous morning's situation reversed with the Union forces now occupying the earthworks and coming under a ferocious Confederate attack. The engagement ended with the Federals surrendering the strong point. Fortunately, the Fort Garland Memorial Battery was able to avoid capture and retreat to Alamosa. Maj. Goddard commented that this is only a minor setback. Although the city of Santa Fe most certainly will now fall into Rebel hands, Union resolve is strong and the Rebs will not be permitted to go any further."
For further information on future engagements and historical reenactment at Adams State College, contact Dr. Goddard at 719-587-7267.
