Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism
Battle of Blountville Re-enactor, Melvin Perkey

CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTING MORE THAN A HOBBY

We're serious! While it is a popular hobby, Civil War reenacting is truly a serious matter for some... Bristol resident Melvin Perkey was on hand this week for the pre-event television filming of the 150th Anniversary Battle of Blountville Reenactment. A private of the 43rd TN Infantry Co. E, CSA, Perkey said, "Reenacting is a way to honor my ancestors and to preserve the true history of the Civil War." Perkey has been totally dedicated to reenacting for the past five years and has participated in over 60 reenactments throughout the U.S., portraying Union or Confederate soldiers as needed. He currently serves on the 2013 Battle of Blountville Reenactment Committee.

 

Perkey was one of several Civil War reenactors and event coordinators who gathered with film crew on Tuesday at the Old Hawley Farm near Blountville to promote the upcoming Battle of Blountville Reenactment and Sesquicentennial Celebrations set for Sept. 6-8, 2013. Hosted by television personalities Jim Edwards and Beckie Blanton, the 30-minute television show will air at 4 PM, Sat., Aug. 31, on WKPT-DT3 (Charter Cable channel 148). 

 

The Battle of Blountville Re-enactment weekend will include skirmishes, reenactments, a Civil War School Day for area children, a Civil War Ladies Tea, a Saturday night ball and other festivities. The Irish Volunteers of New York will be on hand to provide Civil War music throughout the event. Food vendors and old-time sutlers will also be on hand. Guest appearances will be made by those portraying Civil War figureheads such as Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Stonewall Jackson, Ambrose Burnside, J.E.B. Stuart and others. Joe Adkins of the Tri-Cities area will portray Col. Abraham Fulkerson. 

 

The Sesquicentennial Celebrations are sponsored by the 2013 Battle of Blountville Reenactment Committee, the Battle of Blountville Civil War Military Park, and the Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism. The event is free and open to the general public. For additional information, please visit the website at www.battleofblountville.com.

 

Sullivan County Department of Archives and Tourism
"Historic Sullivan... Preserving our History, Showcasing our Heritage"
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