Well, my blog is called Adventures Around the World, so here's to my adventures in the Southern United States (a bit different from that liberal, California culture I'm so accustomed to, sometimes you would think you're in whole other country).
On my first day in Arkansas, we decided to go see a Civil War Reenactment, something none of use had seen before. As we were driving along the road to the battle, this convenient little sign popped up, guiding us to the Civil War. It made us all laugh. I wonder if they had these back in the 1800s in case people wanted to drop by and see the battles? :P
At the battlefield (which was in Missouri, right over the "stateline road," it's so weird how the states just flow in to each other here), there were some other signs that made me giggle. The had the "US" area for the Union Soldiers (or, damn Yankees as they are often referred to around here) and the "CS" for the Confederate Soldiers. Both sides had a little encampment near the battlefield, where they would hang out while the waited before the battle and during the battle intermissions. Every once in a while, you would see the "soldiers" intermingling in the neutral area (where the people coming to see the battle were hanging out). I don't think it was quite the same 150 years ago... As they were preparing for the beginning of the battle, Confederate soldiers would drive across the battlefield in their cars, since their encampment was on the far side of the field (that made us laugh too, the mixing of modern convenience and trying to maintain the authenticity of the battle). All the soldiers were dressed in period costumes, and you would think some of the people that attended still thought it was 1862.
The battle we attended was the Battle of Pea Ridge, which happened from March 6-8, 1862. Apparently it was one of the most important battles for the Union Army west of the Mississippi. The reenactment didn't take place on the actual battlefield, but on a big field a few miles away (we were assuming they didn't want anything to happen to the historical battlefield). The ratios when we were there seemed a little off...a lot of Confederate soldiers for not so many Union soldiers. However, apparently in the actual battle there were quite a few more Confederate soldiers than Union soldiers. We heard that in the reenactment, they try and replicate as close as possible to what happened in the actual battle (ie, reenacters "dying" when an actual soldier from the side died). The problem was, I think they were so short on Union soldiers, that they kept coming back to life! (Some younger boys next me took note of this, "the Confederates would win if the Union wasn't CHEATING!" I don't know if they realized it was based on the actual historical battle).
Some Union soldiers going back to their encampment to rest between battles. A lot of the observers left between the battles, despite one of the organizers telling everyone "that was only the first part! There's a whole other battle where they capture the canons!" Everyone gave him a polite smile and said "it's cold and wet" and continued on their way. We were among those who wimped out after the first part of the battle. It was in the high 30s/low 40s and drizzly...a little bit cold for my spring weather liking. According to the reenactors, however, it just made the battle more authentic. (Apparently there were several inches of snow on the ground during the actual battle). 
After watching the reenactment, we decided to go check out the actual battlefield. Apparently it's one of the best preserved battlefields in the country. As you drive around it, there are different signs talking about what happened in different locations during the battle. Here, in the woods, one of the battles took place. The Union army apparently tricked the Confederate army by taking a roundabout way and surprising them at this location, probably part of the reason that the eventually won the battle (despite the fact the soldiers were exhausted by walked many more miles (I think about 60) than originally expected).
A canon replica. Apparently they have some "historical fences" that have been around since the battle :) The rest of the props, however, are mostly replicas (I guess they don't want to leave the actual canons out through the Arkansas weather). On one part of the battlefield, they said the line of Union soldiers stretched out for a mile! I would be a little intimidated if I saw that.
The next day, we made a stop by the Crystal Bridges Art Museum. They have art from the Colonial Era through Modern times (if you can call it art, some of what they have nowadays...) Although I'm not a huge fan of modern art, this piece was kind of cool. As my grandpa said, "Through the looking glass: a rose colored world." The actual museum building and grounds are beautiful, a work of art in themselves. They also had a visiting exposition of Norman Rockwell, which was probably my favorite part of the museum. His drawings and paintings are great...they all tell a story, and are just fun to look at (unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures).
While I was here, the forecast was mostly cold and overcast...with a little bit of snow! I woke up one morning to find the deck covered in a light dusting a snow. Not exactly what I was expecting on my spring break.
Bentonville's Civil War Memorial, a tribute to the Southern Soldiers erected by the Daughters of the Confederate Soldiers in the town square. It kind of shocks me to think that there are still people who wish the Confederacy would have won. I just can't imagine how our country would be today (it's in a bad enough state as it is). At the battle, many people were supporters of the Confederacy...serious supporters. It begs the question...which parts of the Confederate ideas are they in support of?
The next day, we made a stop by the Native American museum. They have a very impressive collection of artifacts. A lot of the pottery we saw looked similar to the pottery I had seen from indigenous tribes in South America, which was cool. In addition to pottery, they had more arrowheads than I have ever seen in my whole life. It is amazing how many different kinds of arrowheads there are...shapes, sizes, serrations, materials they're made of, different purposes...
I also thought these head pots were pretty cool. Apparently it's the largest collection of pots of this kind anywhere in the world.
These are some of the dolls that they would give to children. They were all very unique and represented different spirits.
Some of the beadwork done by the Native Americans was absolutely incredible. This was a child vest, moccasins and toy horse. I can't even imagine how many hours of meticulous labor it would take to make these three items. And it's so beautiful. Apparently they only wore the fancy beaded clothing during special ceremonies. (I believe these particular items were made by the Sioux, but I'm not positive.)
Lastly, the lake that my grandparents live on. I decided to make the trek down to it (it's not that far from their house, it's just really cold outside). Once I made it to the bottom I only stayed a few minutes, because it was so cold out. Apparently two geese families are nesting on the tiny little island!
I've had a great time visiting with my grandparents and brushing up on my history...now it's on to the second part of my journey...New Orleans!
No comments:
Post a Comment