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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TWENTY-FOUR RED ROVERS ATTEND FANNIN MASSACRE

summitted by William V. Scott

Capt. Shackleford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers converged upon Goliad on March 24-25 2012 for the 27th Annual Fannin Massacre Reenactment. This year’s Alabama Red Rovers attendance was at it’s highest, fielding a company of twenty-four men. The company was made up of: C. Albright, J. Bunch, H. Crawford, A. Denman, T. Gonzalez, D. Harmon, I. Harmon, L. Hise, Devin Howard, J. Lucas, J. Martin, K. Milton, J. Odem, R. Powell, A. Remmers, Jake Rieder, Joey Rieder, Josh Rieder, B. Ring, D. Scott, W. Scott, J. Tischler, W. Wimer, and E. Vickers. After superb firing in the field in all three battles we finished off a busy Saturday with our participation in the annual Candlelight Tour. Saturday ended up being successful as we recruited four new members and sold many of our new logo caps. Some of the ladies of the Women of Courtland demonstrated cooking and crocheting periodically throughout the day, and served as tour guides for the Candlelight Tour being led by our own Clara Rieder. Three cheers go out to Wayne Wimer on receiving a Military Badge of Merit for his actions this weekend. He is an example to all of us. Thank You your participation in this year’s event. Because of your participation you made this event very successful. For God and Alabama!!!!

 


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FORT DEFIANCE GARRISIONED

summitted by William V. Scott

On February 11, 2012, Captain Shackelford’s Company of Alabama Red Rovers sponsored Fort Defiance – 1836. Presidio LaBahia was converted to Fort Defiance for the day to give the public and the participants a chance to step back into Fort Defiance, where Colonel James W. Fannin fortified his command. Participants were able to experience Guard Mounting, Patrols, Scouts, Alerts and a Court-martial; Members of the Company Present were: D. Harmon, I. Harmon, L. Hise, Devin Howard, J. Lucas, R. Powell, A. Remmers, Josh Rieder, D. Scott, W. Scott, E. Vickers, E. Willy, and N. Womack. This garrison was also manned by contingents of the Mobile Grays, Military Engineers, and scatterings of ladies from Madame Garcias’. Many Thanks goes to Laura Vickers for preparing and cooking the meals for the Garrison, and to the command staff of the event.


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