Troops reenact Civil War Battle of Parkers Crossroads for 154th Anniversary
PARKERS CROSSROADS, Tenn. — All weekend long guest got a peek into the Civil War era as reenactors brought history to life, right here in West Tennessee.
“One of my artillery commanders probably says it best, everyone loves to hear the big booms,” Brigadier General Billy Altom said.
The sound of cannons and smell of gun powder filled the air as the Battle of Parkers Crossroads was recreated.
“Rifle Springfield 1861 model that I stole off a Yankee,” Civil War re-enactor Tyler James Stark said. “He didn’t have no further use for it he was dead.”
Union and Confederate reenactors exchanged gun fire, putting on a show for hundreds who came to experience history.
“Support these troops and what these guys do and relive what happened here,” spectator Tracy Salmon said. “It’s an amazing event.”
Reenactors say the goal was to make this battle as realistic as possible. Some troops even mounted horses to invade enemy territory.
“We try to look like what the ancestors looked like to give a true portrayal to the ‘John Q’ public,” Altom said. “And hopefully give them a little bit of what occurred here on these grounds.”
Even though Sunday’s battle was a history lesson, folks say it was an exciting one.
“No matter if you’re the blue or the gray, it’s just part of your heritage and its really neat to see it come alive,” Salmon said.
Reenactors say they appreciate so many people being interested in West Tennessee’s Civil War history.
“I really like the thank the people that let us come out here today, preserve history,” Stark said. “A lot of people don’t know it anymore.”
“Every time you place your foot on the ground, you’re walking in the footsteps of history,” Altom said. “Someone has been here before you and honor their memory and their sacrifice.”
Although during the Civil War this battle ended in a draw, the general says Sunday afternoons reenactment was a win, because so many kids got to learn about the important battle fought in West Tennessee.
