Where: Recreation Department

When: May 1, 2010

Local Rangers to reenact November, 1864 battle of "Pine Hill" between Sherman's Army of the Tennessee and Confederate soldiers

The McLeod-Moring Rangers Camp (SCV) and The Emanuel Rangers (UDC) announce plans to recreate an 1864 period Confederate Army camp and stage a mock battle during the 2010 Southeast Timber Expo. Members in unifonn will set up a Headquarters camp on Thursday April 29, 2010 and continue presentations through Saturday May 1, 2010. Rangers will present living history exhibits and re-enact a fictional battle- the Battle of Pine Hill. The battle will commence on Saturday May 1, 2010 when Union forces attack Confederate positions in the camp. Both armies will demonstrate battle maneuvers involving rifle and cannon fire.

The camp and battle will take place during the Expo at the McLeod Bridge Road Recreation Complex in Swainsboro, Georgia. Steve Burke, SCV Camp Commander, explained, "Visitors will see Rangers living in a tent camp that represents conditions experienced by soldiers during The War Between The States. Periodic demonstrations of musket and cannon fire during the 3 day encampment will punctuate educational exhibits. "Burke added, "We are excited to present this encampment and battle. There are no similar presentations in our immediate area so we think the public will enjoy it."

This event is hosted by the McLeod-Moring Rangers Camp 1386, Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Emanuel Rangers Chapter 2318, United Daughters of the Confederacy. Rangers will be supported by members of the General Robert A. Toombs Camp 932 of Vidalia, Georgia and the Bear Creek Artillery under Commander George F. King. Other area SCV and re-enactment groups will provide personnel and equipment for the event.

Members of the Emanuel Rangers plan to set up and operate a field hospital inside the camp. Judy Womack, UDC Chapter President, described activities in the hospital area, "Ladies in period dress will demonstrate medical treatment of wounded soldiers." They will also provide infonnation on their activities to support soldiers in the field and how they provided food and clothing. Womack added, "Re-enactors portraying local soldiers and their families look forward to sharing stories of wartime life in southeast Georgia."

In November of 1864, after torching Atlanta, Shennan began his famous 'March to the Sea.' His 60,000 men cut a 60 mile wide swath through Georgia during the six week march to Savannah. The area they marched through was lightly defended by Confederate soldiers. Local troops were mostly men and boys too old or too young for other military service. There were scattered skirmishes and small battles along the way. Houses, barns and fields were stripped to support Sherman's army. That which they could not use was mostly destroyed. The war ended four months later when General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy are organized for historical and educational purposes and do not engage in, nor do they advocate, political activities. Local camps and chapters serve to research family histories, study and preserve important southern documents, and educate the public about events during and after the war.

For more information, please contact:

Fred Womack (478) 237-8448