The City of Appomattox houses the newly formed Appomattox Station Battlefield, only recently identified as the location of the battle on the evening of April 8 that pitted Confederate artillery and calvary against Union infantry and cavalry. [artillery are the cannons, infantry the ground troops, calvary the men on horses]. It is significant that there are no Confederate infantry who are back in Appomattox Court House, the center of the final action and eventual surrender.
About 200 or so people converged on this small parcel of land to see the evening's reenactment. Around me were among others 1) a family that had grown up in Appomattox and with a point of a finger, showed me their house just past the boundary of the field 2) a man in a vest and period hat with a very good camera and his wife (from Memphis?). In other words, southerners, friendly, talkative and a lot of fun. This is significant because I run into the photographer later who helps me out with some picture taking.
This is the first calvary battle I've seen and I am impressed by the way that the horses are handled and become part of the visual display as in the final moments, both calvary forces fight with swords while on their horses.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Introduction to Southern hospitality for real
Evening of April 7
Riding into Appomattox at 5 pm it seems like one of those sleepy towns that grew up around some random stores with no thought to any plan. I did find the 'historic district' a one block group of stores with a visitors center that is closed. But Virginia hospitality is evident as the very friendly woman outside the center introduces me to her grandson and, oh yes, to the events in town.
Thus emboldened, I drive to the park itself which is open for set up of the concert stage. I felt like I'd hit pay dirt again because The 50 person choir that was made up of several local churches rehearsed spirituals and rousing songs. I planned to leave town before the Friday concert, so this was my own private concert.
Afterwards as I walked back to my car, I got to compliment one of the singers. "Where are you staying" she asked. "In Lynchburg". 'Oh that's so far away, why don't you stay at my house"
Seriously, that is how the conversation went. She knew absolutely nothing about me and with the most gracious blessed open heart, offered me her home. I didn't take her up on it for that night because I wanted to check in to the hotel and do some writing. But...
The story will continue.
Riding into Appomattox at 5 pm it seems like one of those sleepy towns that grew up around some random stores with no thought to any plan. I did find the 'historic district' a one block group of stores with a visitors center that is closed. But Virginia hospitality is evident as the very friendly woman outside the center introduces me to her grandson and, oh yes, to the events in town.
Thus emboldened, I drive to the park itself which is open for set up of the concert stage. I felt like I'd hit pay dirt again because The 50 person choir that was made up of several local churches rehearsed spirituals and rousing songs. I planned to leave town before the Friday concert, so this was my own private concert. Afterwards as I walked back to my car, I got to compliment one of the singers. "Where are you staying" she asked. "In Lynchburg". 'Oh that's so far away, why don't you stay at my house"
Seriously, that is how the conversation went. She knew absolutely nothing about me and with the most gracious blessed open heart, offered me her home. I didn't take her up on it for that night because I wanted to check in to the hotel and do some writing. But...
The story will continue.
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