Annual battle shapes up for Madisonville

Infantry riflemen and cannoneers open fire during the 2007 re-enactment of the Battle of El Camino Real. This year’s battle will take place Saturday and Sunday at Lake Madison Park. Dave Lewis/Madisonville Meteor.

Once again it's living history time in Madison County.

The public is invited to “Come Live the History” and walk in the footsteps of the gallant men and women who fought during the War Between the States in the 1860's on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2-3, at Lake Madison Park.

Members of the re-enacting group, 8th Texas Company E Calvary Rangers and Company A Artillery, will host a Living History Weekend, the Battle for El Camino Real.

For a real experience, come to Lake Madison Park to witness a Civil War battle.

The camps and the battles will be held on the soccer field side of Lake Madison, via Shipp Street. One battle will be held each day. Saturday's battle will begin at 2 p.m., as will the battle on Sunday.

“This is Madisonville's second re-enactment, and we have received terrific response from several of the businesses around town,” said Recruiting Officer Billy Blow.

“Numerous re-enactors have sent in their pre-registration forms, and we anticipate several hundred participants coming to Madisonville on that weekend. Many of our members have worked very hard for several months planning and working to provide the participants and the public an experience with history. We have been cutting wood, purchasing hay for the horses, cutting wood, calling sutlers, cutting more wood, planning demonstrations for Education Day, and cutting even more wood,” Blow said. “We will have dismounted cavalry units, mounted cavalry units, infantry, and artillery units that represent Northern and Southern States,” said member Linda Bayless.

Friday, Feb. 1, is Education Day. Corp. Tim Bayless, a teacher at Normangee Elementary, is in charge of Education Day.

“I have contacted several of the schools and have had remarkable response from a number of them,” he said. “I have received calls from many home-schools and private schools. Not only do students learn of their country's history first hand, there are also many times when the teachers learn new facts, too.”

There will be several demonstrations for the students to view.

Demonstrations of cavalry, artillery, medical, bullet making, spinner/weaver, and a blacksmith, are a few.

“Students can ask questions of participants, which makes great interaction and gets students interested in learning more of their history,” said Tim Bayless.

There will be approximately six period-correct vendors, which are known as sutlers. Sons of the Confederate Veterans and Sons of Union Veterans will both have recruiting booths. The Midway Volunteer Fire Department will also be there serving brisket sandwiches, chili pie and more.

Camp closes to the public at 5 p.m. and then at about 5:30 a meal will be served to all the re-enactment participants, followed by a period-correct dance from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“The public is invited to join in if they dress, or even attempt to dress, in the fashion of the 1860's,” said Blow.

Sunday's activities begin with a church service from 9:30 to 10 a.m. officiated by Pastor Lon McVeigh from Living Truth Church in Madisonville. Unit drills will begin at 10:45, then at 2 p.m. Sunday's battle will begin.

“We have local organizations helping us on Saturday and Sunday,” said Blow. “Sons of the Confederate Veterans and The Order of the Confederate Rose members will be helping at the gate, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy will be serving the meal.”

Members of the 8th Texas Company E Rangers and Company A Artillery encompass a large area. There are members in the units who live anywhere from Madisonville to Louisiana and Arkansas.

Members in this area include Billy, Carolyn and Stephen Blow, Tim and Linda Bayless, Don, Debbie, an Chris Eschberger, and J.R. Gibson of Madisonville and Midway areas.

Also, Tommy, Becky, and Jamie Morgan of Crockett, James Wenzel of Navasota, Patrick Adams of Lovelady and Jeff Pirtle of Houston.

“Our Captain, Jean-Marie Koten, and his wife, Petra, and daughter, Chantal, live in Tyler, and Trey Martin in Lufkin,” said Blow.

Residing in the Wharton area are Jim, Carol, Joanie and Kelly Thompson, Nick Koten and Shawn Parsons.

Close by is Sam Ryan of El Campo. M.L. “Long Shadow” Weaver is located in Westlake, La.

Living in Marthaville, La are Jay and Francine Ingram and sons Grant and Garrett, and David Wilson lives in Mount Holly, Ark. “We are a family-oriented group,” said Blow.

The grounds will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. It is open to the public, $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5-11. Children under five are free.

“We are hoping this event will be as great a success as it was last year,” Blow continued.

“Last year a portion of the proceeds went to benefit the Madison County Museum. This year our unit has chosen to help two organizations, the Madison County Museum and Elves for Santa Program.”

Blow said the group was organized for the purpose of promoting living history and enabling all persons to develop a greater appreciation of heritage through accurate recreation of the historical period of the War Between the States through authentic portrayals of the historical events that occurred at that time, and to teach, revitalize and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for our American heritage.

The Texas 8th is a volunteer organization, which denounces racism, racial supremacists, hate groups and individuals, or groups that misuse or desecrate the symbols of the United States of America and/or former Confederate States of America; and has no modern political agenda or status.