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Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

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  • Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

    Probably a little dated, but relevant nonetheless. The 37th Illinois Prairie Grove, Arkansas adjunct is in the books. Hosted by the 24th Missouri, Holmes Brigade, and the 36th Illinois, this was held on the actual battleground in northwest Arkansas, near the Fayetteville mountains. Bolstered by a strong showing of associate members, the 24th Missouri fielded a 32 man company, to form a micro-battalion with our brothers in the Holmes Brigade, with old AOP legend Steve Dunfee assuming field command.

    This event, held every two years on the state battlefield park, is probably one of the better kept secrets in the hobby. Due to often inclement weather, the 24th Missouri uses this as a heavy fixed camp event, throwing up double rows of A-frames, with a functioning HQ area complete with quartermaster and commissary. Our camp was fairly secluded from the historical celebration. We do a Christmas theme, complete with Christmas tree, laurel draped on tents, and gifts and packages from home. It is a morale booster for the 24th Missouri, and also serves a functional purpose as we hold our yearly unit meeting and elections. We also recruit heavily.

    Though we were camping heavy for this event, the 24th Missouri is by trade a campaigner/marching unit. In fact, we maybe the ONLY re-enacting unit to ever campaign with A-frame tents. Last year at Pea Ridge, we moved camp from the battlefield to the historical celebration, A-frames packed into a mule drawn wagon. But I digress. Keeping with the spirit of actual Prairie Grove events, Federal units were on the move prior to the battle, we formed up and staged across the Illinois River for an approach march to the battle. This we did on Saturday morning, pausing for lunch and a couple hours of battalion drill.

    The Borden House fight is always a spirited affair, recreating Herron's opening attack and carried on directly in front of spectators on the actual ground. On Sunday, the scenario was switched to encompass Blunt's supporting attack. The battles were of the usual variety, but carried a functional purpose for our younger recruits, of which there are a considerable amount. The 24th Missouri has a younger element, led by Jonathan Siltman and aptly named the Bully Boys, which pulls many young recruits into our ranks.These young guys are a huge part of our team.

    The event also brought us together with old friends- Huck Green, Mike Comer, Bob Welch, Sean Cowger aka Ezra Parker and all the 36th Illinois guys. It was grand seeing Steve Dunfee of the Fort Scott Sutler, He usually brings a few items, but more importantly provides us with an outstanding field battalion commander. This is a fantastic local event for us, one which we draw heavily at, and is becoming increasingly more well known in the hobby.


    Pictured below is elements of the 24th Missouri during the Sunday scenario, Blunt's Assault.





    Click image for larger version

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    Mike Phineas
    Arlington, TX
    24th Missouri Infantry
    Independent Volunteer Battalion
    www.24thmissouri.org

    "Oh, go in anywhere Colonel, go in anywhere. You'll find lovely fighting all along the line."

    -Philip Kearny

  • #2
    Re: Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

    And just got these, courtesy of Tom Davison photography. This is the 24th MO/36th IL company representing t Co B 37th IL.color Prairie Grove.jpgBW.jpgmarching off.jpg
    Frank Siltman
    24th Mo Vol Inf
    Cannoneer, US Army FA Museum Gun Crew
    Member, Oklahoma Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission
    Company of Military Historians
    Lawton/Fort Sill, OK

    Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay -- and claims a halo for his dishonesty.— Robert A. Heinlein

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

      Gents,
      Looks like it was a great event, sorry I missed it.
      Jim Scheidel
      Andover, Kansas
      24th Missouri Volunteer Infantry
      www.24thmissouri.org

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

        Originally posted by KSfusilier View Post
        Gents,
        Looks like it was a great event, sorry I missed it.
        There will be plenty more this year Chief, we're always in the thick of things!
        Mike Phineas
        Arlington, TX
        24th Missouri Infantry
        Independent Volunteer Battalion
        www.24thmissouri.org

        "Oh, go in anywhere Colonel, go in anywhere. You'll find lovely fighting all along the line."

        -Philip Kearny

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

          Dunfee really? I think the last time I saw Steve was in Gettysburg for that one eastern guy's event AHT. In town actually. Mike, float the info for this event to Mess No.1 for next year. Not sure we'll do it, but would like to discuss it with the boys.
          Ken Cornett
          MESS NO.1
          Founding Member
          OHIO
          Mason Lodge #678, PM
          Need Rules?

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

            Ken, the adjunct website is arkansasgreyhounds.webs.com.
            It's updated as the event draws near.
            Would love to see it grow.
            Jonathan Siltman
            24th Missouri Vol. Inf.
            Bully Boys Mess
            www.24thmissouri.org
            Ft. Sill Museum Gun Crew
            Good ol' Fashion Troublemaker

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

              But it is every 2 years, so next iteration is Dec 2018. BTW, shot of Dunfee in the field!!! Great shot from Tom Davison while discussing the "plan".
              PG leaders.jpg
              Last edited by Pennvolunteer; 01-03-2017, 09:52 AM. Reason: added photo
              Frank Siltman
              24th Mo Vol Inf
              Cannoneer, US Army FA Museum Gun Crew
              Member, Oklahoma Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission
              Company of Military Historians
              Lawton/Fort Sill, OK

              Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay -- and claims a halo for his dishonesty.— Robert A. Heinlein

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Prairie Grove Arkansas AAR

                I saw that photo of Steve, good to see him out there again.
                Jim Scheidel
                Andover, Kansas
                24th Missouri Volunteer Infantry
                www.24thmissouri.org

                Comment

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