Pilot Knob

illreb · #1 09-27-2004, 05:19 PM

Did any one make it to Pilot Knob last weekend? I just got back myself, it wasn't the best event I have ever attended but it was fun storming the actual fort

qwincbruce · #2 09-27-2004, 08:07 PM

I was there. Keith. I was IN the fort as a "yankee" soldier.
We only had three companies of federal infantry. The best part was all the artillery. However, Pilot Knob is not as good as it used to be. It never was a large event as compared to those out east. This makes the 9th time in the last 24 years I have been to PK. In years past we used to start the "battle" in Ironton, then fight the two miles back to PK, then have the main battle at Fort Davidson.
PK is unfortunately one of those events that falls dangerously close to being a "dog and pony" show. Craft booths, food vendors, cars driving up and down the street all night, but as long as the public drops a dollar or two in the donation bucket, I guess it's ok.
Did you see the booth where people dressed up in Civil War duds to get their picture taken? Talk about absurd.
Spectators are still scared to get too close to us when taking pictures. It's like they're visiting wild animals in a wild life refuge and their afraid to get too close that we might bite them.
Word is that PK had 30,000 spectators. I talked to some who'd come down from St. Louis.
Did you see the pyro show Sat night?
I could feel the heat from the fireballs.
I wish we could have had more Federals and more Confeds, but there was also an event in Cabin Creek, OK that drew many of your gray clad comrades.
For a state event I wish it could draw better, and I wish it could be better organized, but for an event it was ok.
From an old •••• reenactor who has been around too long.
Robert Talbott

illreb · #3 09-27-2004, 10:11 PM

Robert,
Yes,I agree the "Fair/yardsale side of it was real hard to swallow, but it was my first time at an event at PK and I love events on actual battlefield (quite a rush)lol
I did watch the fireworks on Sat. night
yes, it would have been a bit better with more reenactors on both sides .I heard some talk of maybe changing the dates in the future by some park officals on Sun.But of course thats how rumor are started LOL
BTW are you attending Franklin ?

qwincbruce · #4 09-28-2004, 03:46 PM

Yes, I will be at Franklin, as a "yankee." I am leaving Thurs morn. This will be my third trip to this region. First time was in 1989 during the first weekend of December. Coldest event I ever attended. Only time I can recall where the entire battle was fought wearing greatcoats. This was when man woke up in the middle of the night to take a pee, then keeled over dead from a heart attack. He was a Federal, but in the next company street over from me. Hell of a deal.
I sorta wish they'd have Franklin at around the actual date, but I can see where they might be worried about the weather and health.
Robert Talbott