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Probably a little dated, but relevant nonetheless. The 37th Illinois Prairie Grove, Arkansas adjunct is in the books. Hosted by the 24th Missouri, Holmes Brigade, and the 36th Illinois, this was held on the actual battleground in northwest Arkansas, near the Fayetteville mountains. Bolstered by a strong showing of associate members, the 24th Missouri fielded a 32 man company, to form a micro-battalion with our brothers in the Holmes Brigade, with old AOP legend Steve Dunfee assuming field command.
This event, held every two years on the state battlefield park, is probably one of the better kept secrets in the hobby. Due to often inclement weather, the 24th Missouri uses this as a heavy fixed camp event, throwing up double rows of A-frames, with a functioning HQ area complete with quartermaster and commissary. Our camp was fairly secluded from the historical celebration. We do a Christmas theme, complete with Christmas tree, laurel draped on tents, and gifts and packages from home. It is a morale booster for the 24th Missouri, and also serves a functional purpose as we hold our yearly unit meeting and elections. We also recruit heavily.
Though we were camping heavy for this event, the 24th Missouri is by trade a campaigner/marching unit. In fact, we maybe the ONLY re-enacting unit to ever campaign with A-frame tents. Last year at Pea Ridge, we moved camp from the battlefield to the historical celebration, A-frames packed into a mule drawn wagon. But I digress. Keeping with the spirit of actual Prairie Grove events, Federal units were on the move prior to the battle, we formed up and staged across the Illinois River for an approach march to the battle. This we did on Saturday morning, pausing for lunch and a couple hours of battalion drill.
The Borden House fight is always a spirited affair, recreating Herron's opening attack and carried on directly in front of spectators on the actual ground. On Sunday, the scenario was switched to encompass Blunt's supporting attack. The battles were of the usual variety, but carried a functional purpose for our younger recruits, of which there are a considerable amount. The 24th Missouri has a younger element, led by Jonathan Siltman and aptly named the Bully Boys, which pulls many young recruits into our ranks.These young guys are a huge part of our team.
The event also brought us together with old friends- Huck Green, Mike Comer, Bob Welch, Sean Cowger aka Ezra Parker and all the 36th Illinois guys. It was grand seeing Steve Dunfee of the Fort Scott Sutler, He usually brings a few items, but more importantly provides us with an outstanding field battalion commander. This is a fantastic local event for us, one which we draw heavily at, and is becoming increasingly more well known in the hobby.
Pictured below is elements of the 24th Missouri during the Sunday scenario, Blunt's Assault.
Prairie Grove.jpg
This event, held every two years on the state battlefield park, is probably one of the better kept secrets in the hobby. Due to often inclement weather, the 24th Missouri uses this as a heavy fixed camp event, throwing up double rows of A-frames, with a functioning HQ area complete with quartermaster and commissary. Our camp was fairly secluded from the historical celebration. We do a Christmas theme, complete with Christmas tree, laurel draped on tents, and gifts and packages from home. It is a morale booster for the 24th Missouri, and also serves a functional purpose as we hold our yearly unit meeting and elections. We also recruit heavily.
Though we were camping heavy for this event, the 24th Missouri is by trade a campaigner/marching unit. In fact, we maybe the ONLY re-enacting unit to ever campaign with A-frame tents. Last year at Pea Ridge, we moved camp from the battlefield to the historical celebration, A-frames packed into a mule drawn wagon. But I digress. Keeping with the spirit of actual Prairie Grove events, Federal units were on the move prior to the battle, we formed up and staged across the Illinois River for an approach march to the battle. This we did on Saturday morning, pausing for lunch and a couple hours of battalion drill.
The Borden House fight is always a spirited affair, recreating Herron's opening attack and carried on directly in front of spectators on the actual ground. On Sunday, the scenario was switched to encompass Blunt's supporting attack. The battles were of the usual variety, but carried a functional purpose for our younger recruits, of which there are a considerable amount. The 24th Missouri has a younger element, led by Jonathan Siltman and aptly named the Bully Boys, which pulls many young recruits into our ranks.These young guys are a huge part of our team.
The event also brought us together with old friends- Huck Green, Mike Comer, Bob Welch, Sean Cowger aka Ezra Parker and all the 36th Illinois guys. It was grand seeing Steve Dunfee of the Fort Scott Sutler, He usually brings a few items, but more importantly provides us with an outstanding field battalion commander. This is a fantastic local event for us, one which we draw heavily at, and is becoming increasingly more well known in the hobby.
Pictured below is elements of the 24th Missouri during the Sunday scenario, Blunt's Assault.
Prairie Grove.jpg
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