Want to build a fort?

[Abrams]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Count me in.

I think this would be a great way to spend a weeks vacation. Re-building a small piece of history that in future years you can look back on, and know you had a part of? Very Cool.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Background - New Madrid, Missouri had two Confederate fortifications constructed in 1861 to defend the Mississippi in conjunction with Island No. 10. Ft. Thompson, the larger of the two was located near present day downtown New Madrid.

There has been talk of reconstructing the fort near where it originally was located. The river took out the original location so there is no way it can be put there but would be on the river and almost within throwing distance of the original spot. The City of New Madrid has expressed interest when approached by a local fellow who would like to see the replica made.

The Idea - Have an event in 2010 where reenactors would actually rebuild the fort - or as much as we could get done. We know the shape and size of it. I envision a possible 4 day event. Those who could be present for the whole event would do a lot of the manual labor during the first part of the time frame. Those who could only attend during the weekend could spell the men who had been slaving away earlier in the week while they pulled guard duty and rested. This could be held in August when the fort was actually being constructed but the heat and skeeters at night would be pretty bad - authentic however.:) If August won't work due to the misery factor, it could be pushed back to Sept. or Oct. since work was still going on at that time. If several hundred people attend, we could get a lot done.

What I Need - I need to know the level of interest. Not the 'sounds great, I'll think about coming' or 'good idea - I wish I could make it' interest but the "Yes, I would definitely be there unless major catastrophes get in the way" level of interest. I will approach the city if there is enough interest level expressed in the next few days to give me an idea of whether this is doable. I think it is and I also think that if the city buys into it we will receive excellent support for the endeavor. But I don't want to approach them and make a pitch if it doesn't look like there will be enough reenactor support to make it happen.

I also think a good civilian contingent would be possible since the townspeople were very supportive of the Confederacy and would have had an inherent interest in what was going on in the area.

This will tie in nicely with making New Madrid's role in the war better interpreted and would add a nice visitor attraction for the 150th anniversary.

I know there have been other events where existing forts were repaired etc. but this would be building a replica from the ground up just as the men did in 1861.

So - what do you think?

Very cool idea...!

Scope?

Any idea as to the extent of the tools needed; axes, broad axes, adzes, mattocks, picks, pulleys, ropes, shovels...etc.?

Were the walls of the fort Earthen fortifications (Earth fill, "sandbags", gabions), a Palisade, combination of these, something else...etc.?

Paul B.

[AndrewMartin]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Yes, I would attend this for the 4 full days based on getting an actual date set for it.

[tr17]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Michael,
Count me in for two days .....if in the fall possibly four in the summer.
Tim Ruyle

[Motown]

Re: Want to build a fort?

My mess's civilian impression specializes in digging, and this event is far enough away to plan attending succesfully (Outpost snuck up on us), so count a few more from Michigan in.

I also have a garage full of quasi-period tools; shovels, picks, mattocks, saws, etc. However, I'm afraid that some may not be period correct. Will guidelines be posted as to what types of tools will be acceptable be posted as the event draws closer?

I would miss a whole season of events to attend this one.

Thanks,
Andrew

[Campjacksonboy]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Mike
You know I'll be there.
Frank

[Michael Comer]

Re: Want to build a fort?

I appreciate everyone's response.

I pitched the idea to the Chamber of Commerce board today who supported it with much enthusiasm. That was the easy part. The difficult part will come tonight when I go in front of the city council to pitch it to them.

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Mike,

I am in . I will work on my comrades.

RM

[Steamboat Willie]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Mike,

The extreme Northwest Chapter of the Guards will arrive in force. You can count on us!

[Michael Comer]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Well, the city council liked the idea and will support such an effort. They want to see some plans, cost estimate etc.

This may or may not happen because there are still some hurdles to cross, but I am going to begin working on it and shooting for an October 2010 date.

Thanks to all that have expressed interest.

[BrianHicks]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Michael,

The WIG will be looking for a good event for the later part of 2010. The efforts we put forth to rebuild (in period fashion) the washed out section of the earthen wall at Granger in '06 was greatly received by all who participated. What you are proposing is on a much greater scale, and would be well worth the effort.

Please keep us advised as it may be worth us proposing this as an event for the Bn. in 2010.

[Shantyman]

Re: Want to build a fort?

I like the idia. It to me would also be worth a "vacation" to go up and work on this project. Sounds like and good adventure actually.

[trippcor]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Certainly an interesting event idea and one I would plan to attend. As Brian said the WIG is looking for events for 2010 and this might be one to consider if you will have us.

[thad gallagher]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Sounds like a great experience. I'm in.

[D F Smith Historic]

Re: Want to build a fort?

Hi Michael,

Man what a fantastic event idea! Count me in!

Don S