150th Fredericksburg Reenactment - Sunken Road and Marye's Heights

[@1canparaman]

Im from Fredericksburg, born and raised. When we built our house I found all kinds of stuff. Bullets, Buckles and half of a confederate saber. All kinds of stuff..... and that was just on a half acre lot.

[@acdragonrider]

1canparaman do u still live there?

[@neanderpaul14]

I visited Fredericksburg once and there was some construction going on, I wandered around that work site for about an hour looking for anything from the battle. No luck.

[@M1-Productions]

That's insane. I find that very cool.

[@garyharrall4002]

They shouldn't have let anybody build there. It should be sacred ground.

[@mccennajones9739]

Это что- у нас,вон, под Прохоровкой до сих пор ТАНКИ находят

[@shakeandbreak2938]

At 3:33, evan the camera man holding the Sony VX 1000 was shot on the advancement. This war played favorites to no one. lol

[@Hi-lb8cq]

Philip Kristo hahahahahahahahahahahaha!

[@yt_edition3868]

shake and break lol

[@gunna9289]

shake and break I saw it lol, WHY DO THEY HAVE A CAMERA MAN IN A WAR WHERE THEY HAD NO TECHNOLOGY

[@anonymous11201]

shake and break I love this war

[@anonymous11201]

shake and break it is my favorite war

[@daveh9551]

One of the better reenactments Ive seen on here

[@ballparkburgers5799]

3:38 love how the guy flung his head back so his hat flew off. Looked very good.

[@AbrahamLincoln4]

Looked like he was actually shot in the head.

[@ballparkburgers5799]

Abraham Lincoln You would know what that looks like wouldn’t you ;)

[@TheConfederate1863]

Hé deserved an Oscar for that imo

[@KermitTheGamer21]

I went to a WW2 reenactment and one of the German actors did a flip over a trench when he "died", it was hilarious

[@brady2730]

The way that guy at 3:11 was so committed to his death scene made my day XD

[@psychic882]

Brady lmfao

[@sovietwombat8194]

Brady whahah wtf i think he actually died lol

[@mrmundyyy]

even his face was committed, all the emotions disappear from the one from to the other lool

[@imedi]

heard he won an oscar lol

[@TheConfederate1863]

Hahaha

[@hughbrennan9066]

The town deserves a lot of credit. The spirit of the spectators helped the reenactors get into it. The fire at the wall was so intense that for one of the few times in my 20 years in the hobby, I experienced smoke so thick you couldn't see the Rebs.. Charging out of the street behind Old Glory and the 69th's Green Color was thrill. What must be remembered is that the 69th is still fighting. At Route Irish in Iraq 17 men of the New York NG gave their lives for the US. Faugh a' Ballagh!

[@Deathadder90]

That guy, in light blue, dropping at 03:15 takes it to another level.

[@jeremysmith9585]

A few times they actually looked like they got shot by a mini ball. The hats flew off backwards and then they dropped to their knees and then face down. Makes you wonder if any ghost are mixed in there sometimes.

[@suzietrecallion1042]

Jeremy Smith that's one heck of a thought.

[@amain325]

Can't help but think the ghosts of all those men slaughtered there look down upon this and think, "what are those idiots doing? This was horrific murder, inhuman savagery, and they're play acting it for people's entertainment?"

[@neanderpaul14]

I often wonder how many of the ghosts seen on battlefields are just reenactors messing with people.

[@shilpi326]

amain325 They don’t do it for entertainment. Keep in mind they’re not getting paid to do this while they have to spends 1000s to do it. They are doing it to honor the men who fought this horrible war.

[@neanderpaul14]

@@shilpi326 Actually as a former reenactor we all do it because we're history buffs who love doing it because it gives us a greater grasp on the history we read about. And yes it is very expensive. To initially equip myself I probably spent around 8-9 hundred dollars. Then gas for my truck and black powder was an on going expense.

[@hors_3gameplayandstreams508]

I've searched through what seems to be around 80 or so reenactment videos -- this by far, takes the cake.

[@DiscerningHistory]

Thank you!

[@yasinatmonugroho717]

@@DiscerningHistory What is the name marching band music in the last video?

[@DiscerningHistory]

@@yasinatmonugroho717 The music during the end title screen, if that is what you mean, is the British Grenadiers.

[@360Nomad]

Confederates: It's over Yankee, I have the high ground! Yankee: You underestimate my power! Confederates: Don't try it! *Yankees charge anyway

[@eddieharr]

thanks Obi-Wan :)

[@EvilMerlin]

Pickett's Charge says hello.

[@Mr19thIndiana]

Thats kind of funny :) haha... but this little skirmish was just as costly on both sides sir..... if you wanted to prove a point say Fredricksburg. THen just like Evil Merlin said.... I would respond by GETTYSBURG!!!

[@Mr19thIndiana]

Sunken road I mean ....

[@okthen1166]

and who won the war

[@GGYanksHlsSausage]

You are completely correct. I spent at least 1,700 on my accurate impression. And all of the gas money traveling to other states for the events and 3 days worth of food at times...not a light penny. Reenacting is a hobby for serious historically inclined people in my opinion.

[@Xerrand]

I can't adequately describe how much I love the crackling sound of musket fire.

[@__mindflayer__]

Funny thing is, live rounds are much more louder than this

[@bennettcontos3524]

These are some of the best reenacters I've ever seen!!!!

[@StellarYankee]

It's disappointing what's left of the Fredericksburg battlefield

[@alltimewarrior9308]

What do you mean like seriously this is not the real Fredricksburg battlefield you know like I cannot believe that you would actually believe this is the real battlefield that the battle took place on like seriously I cannot believe that you would actually believe that shit, the real battlefield is probably very well protected just like most US national parks are today so clearly you sir are very ignorant and small minded :|

[@StellarYankee]

+AllTime Warrior no I know this isn't the real battlefield. But there isn't as much of the actual battlefield left

[@alltimewarrior9308]

+Dillon ferko (Shamrock69) Okay Okay you make a point there I am sorry :|

[@treyu8117]

No offense but this comes from keep your mouth shut and let people think your ignorant than open it and confirm it.

[@Vigilante-k4q]

Deadpool theres nothing left of the fredricksburg battlefield, it was a confederate victory, didnt exist, rewrite history. Sad

[@TheTsar69]

As a confederate Reenactor, it fills my heart with joy to see the Yankees finally taking hits and not being invincible during battles.

[@isaacwhite9255]

I'm with you on that one man! My Dad and I are Confederate reenactors and we make mention of the fact that the only events were Yankess take hits are when they're Confederates who have galvanized

[@31stvirginia]

So true I am in the 31stvirginia and the darn Yankees must be wearing bulletproof vests

[@Frapzoid]

I was involved in reenactments as a Mathew Brady photographer and I taunted the rebs about how I thought the war was going to end. They didn't take kindly to my prediction. I didn't care.

[@OOOkot-s]

Поэтому у них потери были в 3 раза больше + проигрыш в песенной войне, с их-то подделками Dixie. Live in Dixie!

[@typical947]

I am too, I feel that one man. But also its jusg a mainstreeamer thing not to take any hits

[@zephyrthemagician]

Thank you for this video. You can tell you know what you are doing. I participated in this event and can tell you that this was some of the most intense fire I have seen in 24 years of reenacting. Your video comes the closest to doing it justice. Great job! I am a subscriber and look forward to more vids!

[@jeffsmith2022]

The CSA troops had the best defensive position to hold there in the entire Civil War...

[@bluegrassreb1]

agreed , and Gettysburg on the last day. Pickett's charge and the second day at Little rd top.

[@andrewp8284]

@Jeff Smith - basically. They had the wall, open ground in front of it, and their flanks were secured by forest IIRC which the Union were unable to take. IIRC the Union tried to roll up the CSA right flank in order to avoid assaulting across the open ground, but couldn't. So they assaulted across the open ground. *LOGIC* (In reality I think it was all kinds of pressures which "forced" the Union to attack even up the open ground, for the sake of expediency and quick decisive victory, I guess. But still...it seems to have been pretty bad execution on the USA part, especially in hindsight)

[@erwin669]

One of the things I have found in my research is that this is actually not an accurate representation of the stone wall. The actual stonewall was holding back an earthen embankment, so it was more like a trench. The original stonewall was torn down after the war and used to build the caretaker house for the National Cemetery. The current wall was built in the 1900s. There is a portion of the wall near the Kirtland Monument that is the original wall from the battle.

[@SStupendous]

Not necessarily true. Heard of Morris Island? This is just a little old stone wall...

[@AEsir2023]

I would argue cold harbor but I don’t think it got much better than this

[@GGYanksHlsSausage]

This is probably the best video on this particular engagement from the 150th Fredericksburg event that I have seen. I was at this reenactment and my unit was the first unit across the Rappahannock River in the Pontoon boat to attack Confederates on the other side. We were the second or third unit to assault the stone wall in the above engagement. It was a great it experience!

[@Zarastro54]

too bad overcoats are so expensive and circumstantial. I really like the look of the union overcoats and they were worn at this battle, but buying them would have put even more strain on the average re-enactor's already stretched wallet.

[@russjudge]

It was warm at this event--like over 70 degrees. The greatcoats weren't worn not because the reenactors didn't have them, but because it was too warm, particularly after the mile-long march uphill to get there. Most of the greatcoats were left in camp.

[@Zarastro54]

Russell Judge well that's nice to hear

[@cameron_o]

If kids reenacted this, they would all be like: MISS, DODGE, I HEADSHOT YOU, NO YOU MISSED ME, I'M NOT REALLY DEAD.

[@naomiwashinton8102]

Cameron O If? We did say that as kids. :D

[@gingerface792]

Cameron O First volley at that range, everyone would die. They're already "cheating" to put on a show.

[@thomasgreen9513]

+Cameron O In the real battle, most all casualties on the Union side were over 50 meters in distance. They obviously didn't have that much room to work with here.

[@randomhistorytime793]

No I am a kid an I don't do that so you are wrong

[@randomhistorytime793]

No I am a kid an I don't do that so you are wrong

[@lagoonguy]

just like Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, this charge was a sad waste of life.

[@lonleybeer]

lol

[@MetalFan1530]

shareeb hashmi What's so lol about it?

[@lonleybeer]

lander schellens idk anymore this was a long time ago

[@lonleybeer]

lander schellens K

[@kylew.4896]

Isn't all war?

[@neanderpaul14]

This was very well done. The Union casualties were close to appropriate. And I as a former Confederate reenactor who used to die nearly every battle would have been hard pressed to take a hit here.

[@shieldclubrydawg1614]

they must be very proud for the carnage they recreated. Probably the most realistic battle reenactment on youtube.

[@IDigAPony]

My Great Grandfather was in the 131st Pennsylvania. I'm sorry to say that this re-enactment appears to be incorrect. One of the most dramatic moments was when Humphreys (Commander of the 3rd Division of the 5th Corps) thought that the Confederates were running low on ammunition. He ordered the men to fix bayonets and charge the wall. My Great Grandfather was in that first charge being led by the brigade commander Peter Allabach. He survived, but it must have been terrifying.

[@randolphwatkins9871]

As a member of 12th Virginia I participated in this event. We had been forced up from the river and took position on the right center behind the wall. As Union troops pushed our rear guard back we could see the battle smoke rise above the trees and houses. Then we were moved to the far left flank and I was about ten feet from the spectators on that side. Ran out ammunition and took a hit. Decided to be very dramatic about it so I was writing around on the ground when my file partner Dave Demattis whipped out a cloth covered with "blood" and opened my shell jacket to try to stem the blood. I was calling for my wife when I noticed a female spectator staring at me and crying. I decided we were being a little over dramatic, so I died. Most realistic reenactment I was every in and that includes the 135th of Gettysburg Pickett's Charge.

[@cassinyoung4271]

this was the best reenactment of the 21st Century and I have been to quit a few to know!

[@claytonthomas146]

If you're not a reenactor don't complain.

[@cowboyn12]

Right I'm a revolutionary war reenactner for the continental army

[@TheNightWatcher1385]

3:33 Holy cow, they even got the cameraman!

[@kazmiirtiza3934]

Imagine going in a reenactment and end up having to play dead right in the start for the whole time

[@briandd27]

Bravo to the reenactors! This made me emotional watching this.

[@usiavideo]

Good camera work. Nice DOF. Can't help having power lines and spectators in it, but nice use of the tools and lighting you have. Union cameraman taking the hit was in the true tradition of cameramen everywhere. Hat's off. 2:01 with the color guard getting hit repeatedly was a nice touch. (Also, nice "taking a hit" for the union guy in the great coat at the very end.)

[@derrickstewart8814]

Love the accuracy of this reenactment during that battle the union took heavy losses charging the wall beautifully displayed the carnage of the battle and the union being pushed back from the heavy fire .amazing job

[@williamhawkins5476]

I was able to get to see the 145th reenactment but was unable to get here due to work commitments. Love the History of the area and never got enough. I miss being in Fredericksburg with all the history that abounds in the area. Used to do the Wilderness all the time on my days off as well as the Skyline. Have now returned to Australia and miss it so much. Cant get back due to Covid.

[@andreabianchi6156]

This looks very good, I love when multiple reenactors take hits. It looks more realistic. Of course it can happen when there's a large amount of them otherwise the event would be over in seconds

[@Bernie8330]

That is so cool. As a non-American, perfect extras for any battle scene of any movie or mini series set at the time of the civil war.

[@bicci6573]

Best part begins at 3:30

[@maning04]

that was just awesome! I think it would be fun if you're part of the reenactment

[@Nyxtify]

3:30 They had cameras in 1862?

[@Baldiegeekay]

1:52 I love how man after man taking hits while trying to hold the fallen flag lol

[@AustenDavid]

Wow! Been in a lot of reenactments and never seen such a volley..

[@robertjones8317]

This was so amazing very well done

[@BenFaffler]

We have to thank the camera man for going back in time to get this footage for us.

[@DiscerningHistory]

Our pleasure.

[@squogg]

So sad the backup one died at 3:31

[@benclanton6392]

3:32 This scene looks almost too real, I can't believe they're just reenactors. All that is missing is intense gore.

[@SStupendous]

It's the same way they do films, lots of actors playing dead.

[@dwaynef5410]

As a Civil War Reenacter Im am very impressed with the battle acting of these soldiers and units. Well done gents.

[@Brittneycaswell68]

Watching this makes me feel the negative energy and anxiety feelings

[@CW-dl2dd]

The assault on Marye's Heights is widely considered as one of the biggest and costliest Union blunders of the Civil War. Approximately 12,600 Federal troops were killed or wounded during the battle. The Confederates lost as few as 5,000. Two days later, the shattered Army of the Potomac retreats back across the Rappahannock. Lincoln later replaces General Ambrose Burnside with Joseph Hooker as the army's commander. What had the great loss of life accomplished? No one could say.

[@truekingethan1774]

Night Stalker935 5,000 is still a lot but a lot less then the federal troops but 5,000 isn't that small though the union still had it worse that's for sure

[@CW-dl2dd]

True KingEthan Exactly

[@ethanwhite2880]

5000 men that couldn’t be replaced

[@gen_robert_lee]

The sergent Killrain change site i see :D 3:43

[@andrewbuck6269]

This is why I love being a civil war reenactor

[@JoshuaHorn]

The stone wall is still on the Fredericksburg National Park. But the National Park doesn't allow reenactments on their property, so they had to hold it on this part of the battlefield, owned by University of Mary Washington, where the stone wall is gone.

[@CommanderGreeCC1004]

I thought I was watching the civil war for 5 minutes and 45 seconds

[@edibertoeddieleal9521]

Awesome looking video! Great work folks!!

[@dialytan2002]

At those ranges, rifled muskets firing 58 calibre mini-balls would have caused carnage on an epic scale; the blood, the death and the injuries sustained would have been horrific.

[@SemperSometimesProductions]

one of the better reenactment battle scenes on you tube if you ask me

[@no_channel.]

Bro this Is some good quality for the 1800s 🙂

[@kiwicory100]

So how is it decided as to who dies or not etc? Like the order of battle advance, retreat wounded just curious?

[@DiscerningHistory]

It depends on the reenactment, sometimes it is volunteers, sometimes they are instructed ahead of time, sometimes the commanders tell people when to fall, sometimes they have marked cartridges that when they pull those to load, they are supposed to take a hit.

[@alvieman4653]

do they use these guys in movies

[@thecivilwarhistorian]

Not as often as you might think. They usually opt for extras who are younger and leaner than most of these guys, BUT they don't have any of the knowledge about drill and give them really inauthentic equipment and uniforms.

[@stevenchavis3105]

This is a good video because it really presents the "chaos" of war quite well. People thrown around everywhere, people handing off guns to other people to reload. People making noises, shouting, looking like they got hurt. As someone else mentioned its so cloudy you cant see a thing, which brings about thoughts like how in the world did people even fight each other like this. In some reinactments you get the sense people are bored.

[@gegalvezge]

Wow!!!! I have had an interest in the American Civil War since i was in the 4th grade. I live in California and we dont have many if any of those reenactments. I have read many books on the topic and this is probably the best reenactment i have ever seen. I think we should always remember those brave soldiers who fought their hearts out in that ugly war . I am am talking about both Union and Confederates, they were all heroes in my book. Thanks again for sharing such a great video.

[@thecivilwarhistorian]

As said by Austin, there are actually units and events all over the country! Just try finding a unit in your area.

[@gegalvezge]

Austin J Bettencourt i am from southern ca. And thank you for the info. Much appreciated👍

[@lilzxnoo3635]

@@gegalvezge hey I live in SoCal as well we actually do have a lot of re-enactments I am actually apart of a reenactment group

[@gegalvezge]

@@lilzxnoo3635 is there any way I could get some info on it? I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

[@gegalvezge]

@@lilzxnoo3635 how can i find out when re-enactments will be after this covid thing. I would appreciate the info. Thank u

[@lkvideos7181]

Who wins 10 Union soldiers or one cheeky wall boi ?

[@GGYanksHlsSausage]

...But in terms of taking a hit "properly", it is nearly impossible when your in such tight quarters with being shoulder to shoulder in a battle line and falling on top of another reenactor who just took a hit can make for some serious injuries in real life.

[@dagorhirswe9672]

Just asking here, is there some kind of soft projectile in these volleys of fire? If not how do you know when to "fall dead"?

[@DrRichtoffen1]

You just have to use your own judgment especially in 1 on 1 situations or other areas. They sometimes Call month of birth. Or sometimes beforehand you’d be told live or die. Most of the time I fire 4-6 shots and “die” sometimes play injured and drag myself a few feet but most guys just die because faking injury can be annoyingly difficult with a crowd too close.

[@thecivilwarhistorian]

Most common way is simply if you run out of ammunition or just get tired.

[@cam1138]

great job on the video

[@hunterknobelcatholicknight3006]

I’m so blessed and proud that my family has fought for Lincoln in The Civil war ⬇️ My mom’s side; my grandma’s side: Thomas Haslam Ohio 116th Infantry My uncle’s side; who married my dad’s sister aunt Katy: Nowell Duncan Stark Fredericksburg VA

[@DGETHIS01]

@3:15 mustve been a real bullet

[@grigorirasputin9507]

Man..., if we're ever able to figure out how to make respawning in video games a reality... reenactments will be SO much more incredibly AWESOME! XD

[@girlgonegamer1452]

The thing about reenactments is the reenactors dont look like there lives are at risk. They look too casual when they fire the guns instead of a panicky motion to quickly load and fire before the enemy does

[@redthered3242]

Girl Gonegamer I mean, they kinda got there. Compared to other reenactments I've seen, this has by far the best acting.

[@thecivilwarhistorian]

Interestingly, most accounts of Civil War combat mention how the soldiers loaded, aimed, and fired very slowly and deliberately. They also talked and even joked around in the ranks during the middle of battle. So what you see in reenactments might not be as far away from reality as you might think.

[@lightning169]

3:49 The guy that carried the Irish volunteer flag. Is looked like Caseoh

[@DGETHIS01]

@3:37 one helluva of a hat toss. well done!

[@markserour9115]

Yep, I was there. Crossing the river was one of favorite moments being a reenactor.

[@TheWillyNilly]

That struck my soul.... well done

[@Defender78]

what kind of rifle is that at 3:34? Oh thats a camera. Good stuff!

[@ingolds420]

The Confederates were lag switching

[@jamesrichardson700]

This was well done boys!!! u guys looked good.

[@FlyingTooFast]

If I recall correctly. The last time they did Fredericksburg, Irish defense forces sent over a group to partake in battle with the fighting 69th

[@keithlangford8764]

Hard to believed that they just walked into battle! Is this true?

[@TisDrLivesey]

I can’t tell. Is it me or does the stone wall look fake? For some reason it just seems like wood painted to look like stone that they randomly placed somewhere

[@DiscerningHistory]

You're right! The surviving stone wall is in the National Park, which does not allow reenactments. This reenactment was actually on the original battlefield, but that portion of the stone wall was recreated with painted plywood.

[@TisDrLivesey]

Oh....that explains it Thanks. I wasn’t sure if it was me or not...

[@tylerellis3373]

The fact that this represents barely a fraction of the battle that was actually going on… It was this type of fighting on. I believe it was like a half mile front up Marie’s Heights…

[@ejstopyro2661]

thank you, re-enacters!!!

[@leslielausten]

Wow! an impressive video account!

[@ClarJMoon]

They should reenact this during the winter time, make it super authentic!

[@thecivilwarhistorian]

It was! It occurred in early-December, the same time as the real battle.

[@Wildwest89]

Finally a reenactment with a realistic casualty rate

[@minnowpd]

Went to one of these at Stone Mt. Georgia. Lots of fun.

[@justandrew3844]

5:00 rebel with a smartphone

[@7Chikchan]

3:31 that charge tho

[@yui-uo4gr]

THIS IS MASSIVE!!!!

[@thecivilwarhistorian]

This was actually only a medium-size event by Civil War reenactment standards. It was all done in a single block (about 100 yards by 100 yards) in the heart of a small city with a couple thousand reenactors. Modern buildings and anachronisms all around. The video does a really good job of making it look larger than it was!

[@07jackd07]

Great job.

[@_Monarchist_]

Great reenactment, respekt.

[@bbd468]

From the many accounts ive read of this engagement, its not to far fetched that Union soldiers in this video, dropped dead in heaps. It was a massacre by all acconts.

[@reyb1649]

Gee. I didn't know they had HD color cameras back in the 1860s.

[@crazyloverofcats]

Speaking as a reenactor, You have a point with the weight, but men of all ages fought on both sides. We do strive for autheticity, but sometimes with those who VOLUNTEER their time, you make do with what you have.

[@PrinceChaloner]

Anyone know what happen to the actual stone wall?

[@thecivilwarhistorian]

It's still there! This reenactment occurred just a few yards away from the real wall, actually.

[@michaelmannion7877]

A section of the Sunken Road is preserved at the Fredericksburg National Park.

[@charlietheanteater3918]

I’m surprised the guys are taking so many hits. At the ones I’ve been too, you have to really look for people that take hits

[@travisbayles870]

All the Infantry we possess cannot possibly take those heights Colonel Rush Hawkins Union army

[@crazyloverofcats]

I have seen young drummers out on the field during a battle.

[@ydoureadthis]

this was a great event and i loved taking part in it and i saw my self one or two times

[@warskye5686]

You deserve a Grammy

[@subzero3653]

Bellissimo! Complimenti

[@maxspringfield]

So why does this look better than actual civil war movies?

[@leomcdev]

Do some of these guys have flack jackets on under their tunics?

[@kleverstudios]

Surprisingly, compared to ww2 reenacting, the guys are in much better shape and actually take hits.

[@johncashrocks221]

The Lawrence attack was in response to the brutality of Jayhawkers and Redlegs in Missouri