ANOTHER FORT DEFIANCE IN THE BOOKS

Fort Defiance was garrisoned by members of Wadsworth’s and Shackelford’s companies on February 7, 2015. The small garrison enjoyed a slow day in army life. Members of Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers were: D. Howard, K. Milton, J. Scott, W. Scott, C. Tucker, Nicole Tucker, D. Vickers, J. Vickers, L. Vickers and new recruit B. Bond. The Women of Courtland made some fabulous meals and ensured that Fannin’s Command ate well. Besides a chilly Friday night the weather was great in this stone fort on the coastal plains. Fort Defiance was a great weekend to make preparations for the upcoming Fannin Massacre Reenactment in March.


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COME AND TAKE IT – BATTLE VS. WEATHER

Submitted by: William V. Scott

Come and Take It Weekend was well attended in Gonzales Pioneer Village on October 5& 6, 2013 with over 60 participants in attendance. As has become tradition, the participating reenactors started the day’s festivities in the annual Come and Take It Parade which was followed by living history in Gonzales Pioneer Village. About 3PM with extreme heat in the forecast the town debates themselves became heated leading into the Reenactment of the Famous Skirmish that was narrated by Dennis Riedesel, as the slogan “Come and Take It” was shouted. The following members were present D. Howard, B. King, K. Milton, R. Saunders, D. Scott, J. Scott, W. Scott, A. Tucker, C. Tucker, Nicole Tucker, D. Vickers, E. Vickers, J. Vickers, L. Vickers. In closing, three cheers go out to David Scott, who is the Gonzales Come and Take It Reenactment Event Coordinator for a great event.


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TEXANS MARCH TO INVADE THE NORTH

Submitted by: David W. Scott

Crossing field, river, mountain, and stream Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers made their way to the fields of Gettysburg to participate in the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg on June 27 – 30, 2013. They had more “fun than a puppy” recreating the battles that some of their ancestors fought in, portraying those brave Louisianans, Texans, and Tennesseans as part of the 15th Texas, except for Henry who was covering us with the Arkansas Artillery. Those in attendance were J. Bunch, H. Crawford, S. Galyon, L. Hise, D. Howard, K. Milton, D. Scott, W. Scott, D. Vickers, E.Vickers, J. Vickers, and L. Vickers. On their way home four of the weary travelers made their way to Courtland, Alabama and payed their respects to Captain Shackelford.


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A SEA OF RED TAKES THE FIELD AT FANNIN MASSACRE

Submitted by: William V. Scott

Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers had a great turnout at this year Fannin Massacre Reenactment that was held March 23 – 24, 2013. The Company took the field with twenty four rifles, Those present were: J. Bruehl, J. Bunch, A. Denman,  S. Gaylon , D.Harmon, I. Harmon, L. Hise, D. Howard,  B. Jakob,  J. Lucas, R. Powell, J. Odem, A. Remmers, Bert Ring, Brittney Ring, E. Rieder, Jake Rieder, Joey Rieder, Joshua Rieder, D. Scott, W. Scott, J. Speck,  J. Tischler, S. Trowbridge, A. Tucker, C. Tucker, Nathan Tucker, Nicole Tucker,  D. Vickers, E. Vickers, J. Vickers, L. Vickers, L. White, R. White, W. Wiemer, E. Willy. The company was honored to have the Musicians White take the field with bass and side drum for each battle and unsling their drums in the field to help aid the wounded. Many intrigued vistors and fellow reenactors filled our camp as the wanted to know more about out our specialized impression. Also on Saturday, descendants of some of the original company were present and discussed their families.


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FORT DEFIANCE PROVED GOOD ON DRILL

Submitted by William V. Scott

On 16 February 2013 Presidio LaBahia was once more converted into Fort Defiance as various groups of living historians came together to portray Fannin’s Command. The men of Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers to answer to roll call were: J. Bunch, D. Harmon, I. Harmon, L. Hise, Devin Howard, J. Lucas, R. Powell, A. Remmers, D. Scott, W. Scott, A. Tucker, C. Tucker, N. Tucker, and R. White, other members present were J. Speck, D. Vickers, E. Vickers and L. Vickers. In addition to the Alabama Red Rovers, groups also in attendance were Brazoria Militia, Crossroads of Texas Living History Association, and Lone Star Heritage Association portrayed other companies in Fannin’s Command. The Garrison was well fed the weekend, as many thanks go out to Laura Vickers, whom oversaw the cooking of the meals, and the ladies that helped her. Hopefully this event will continue to grow, as the time was well spent on drill and training.

 


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QUEEN VICTORIA VISITS THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Submitted by David W. Scott

Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers set up a Republic of Texas encampment at Fort Concho’s annual Christmas event “Christmas at Old Fort Concho.”within the camp was demonstrated a superior flag display depicting Flags that flew over Texas between the years 1836-1846, basket weaving, period games, and wonderful Christmas songs being played by Becky Hise on the hammered dulcimer. The camp was visited by Father Christmas, who even tried his hand at Shut the Box. For the record the gambler won, hope he does not get coal in his socking this year. The camp was also graced by royalty in the form of Queen Victoria. It was a good time had by all. Those in attendance even got some Christmas shopping done in the sulter’s tents. Members present were: B. Hise, L. Hise, D. Scott, and J. Speck, Also in attendance was H. Crawford portraying a 9th U.S. Cavalryman.

 


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CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME AT PIONEER VILLAGE

Submitted by David W. Scott

Christmas came early for Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers, as we were invited to participate in Gonzales Pioneer Village’s “Christmas Through Time” donning our Confederate uniforms. As we transformed the Samuel Gates house to show a War Between the States Trans-Mississippi home-front Christmas. Complete with a small tree, homemade decorations as we strung popcorn and sang period Christmas Carols for the public to enjoy. Gates’ son Joseph Dillard Gates was the first soldier to enlist in the Confederate Army in Gonzales County, Texas. Members present were: A. Remmers, D. Scott, W. Scott, and J. Speck.

 


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STORYTELLERS AND LIVING HISTORIANS AT STORYFEST

Submitted by: William V. Scott

What a beautiful November day to be surrounded by storytellers and liars as the Alabama Red Rovers setup a historical encampment on the Live Oak County Courthouse Square for George West Storyfest. The plush grass of the courthouse was an added plus to the tents and flags that made up our small encampment as we greeted the public and answered their questions. From the Stack-of-Arms in the middle of the camp to the younger Red Rovers playing period games, and our very own basket maker; we got tons of compliments on our setup and camp. Members present were: D. Harmon, I. Harmon, L. Hise, Devin Howard, K. Milton, D. Scott, W. Scott, J. Speck, and D. Vickers.

 


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COME AND TAKE IT REENACTMENT – ANOTHER SUCCESS

Submitted by: William V. Scott

Gonzales Pioneer Village with the support of Crossroads of Texas Living History Association sponsored another great Battle of Gonzales Reenactment during the town’s annual Come and Take It Celebration. I think three cheers are in order for our very own, David Scott, who was the event coordinator for the reenactment; also Dennis Riedesel graciously narrated the event. This great event was a wonderful kick off for our Fall Season. Members of Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers present were: H. Crawford, L. Hise, Devin Howard, K. Milton, R. Powell, A. Remmers, D. Scott, W. Scott, J. Speck, D. Vickers, E. Vickers, J. Vickers, and L. Vickers. These members made sure to rout the Mexicans and let them know they could “COME AND TAKE IT!”

 


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TEXAN – SANTA FE EXPEDITION CAPTURES FORT CHADBOURNE

Submitted by William V. Scott

Braving the 110+ degree weather, Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers donned the uniforms and impressions of the Texan-Santa Fe Expedition at Fort Chadbourne Days. Members present L. Hise, R. Powell, D. Scott, W. Scott, J. Speck, D. Vickers, J. Vickers and L. Vickers, while D. Rhea and E. Vickers were also present doing other impressions. On Friday, May 4th Hise, Powell and W. Scott were present as over 900 children were part of Education Day. Fort Chadbourn’s wonderful visitor center and museum which the ribbon had been cut only a week prior; housing a wonderful collection of found artifacts from the site and early Texas occupation by federal troops, a superior firearms collection of both military and Sharps, numerous Republic of Texas buttons and one of only six Republic marked Tyron Muskets believed to be in existence. Garland and Lana Richards’ warm hospitality always make the event more and more inviting.

 


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