Battle of Aiken continues today

Staff photo by Holly Ellington Civil War re-enactor David Chaltas, in character as Gen. Robert E. Lee, walks through the crowd warning those gathered to cover their ears against imminent cannon fire, during the re-creation of the Battle of White Pond on Saturday.

One hundred and forty-four years ago Confederate troops clashed with Union troops in the heart of downtown Aiken.

For the past 15 years, re-enactors have recreated the battle, showing what life was like in South Carolina during the Civil War.

Cannons thundered, announcing the start of the re-enactment yesterday and, when the smoke cleared, the first part of the Battle of Aiken was reenacted with the Battle of White Pond, where Union troops forced Confederate troops to retreat. Part two takes place today.

In 1865, fighting was scattered throughout Aiken, with the major battle taking place on Richland Avenue in front of the Baptist Church. On his march to Augusta, Union Brigadier Hugh Judson Kilpatrick and his troops left a trail of destruction, burning homes, destroying railroads and inciting terror. Kilpatrick's cavalry entered Aiken County and fought the Battle of White Pond against Col. Charles C. Crew's regiment of Major General Joe Wheeler's cavalry.

The Battle of White Pond forced Confederate troops to retreat, but the Battle of Aiken was yet to come. Outnumbered and outgunned, Wheeler's cavalry sent Kilpatrick and his troops running from downtown. They retreated to a stronghold in Windsor before later changing their path for Columbia.

Thousands watched as Union and Confederate re-enactors waged war. The event, held at Confederate Park, offers a full-scale re-enactment and allows attendees to get a firsthand glimpse of living history. In addition to the battles, re-enactors spend the weekend camping, cooking and living as if it were 1865. Wearing authentic clothing reproductions, the re-enactors demonstrate the daily life of soldiers and their families.

Veteran re-enactor, Diane Fuller, portrays a soldier's wife. "I am dressed for my age with a bonnet enclosing my hair. I am a refugee because my home was destroyed and follow the troops for safety," said Fuller. "This is my eighth year at the Battle of Aiken and my 12th as a re-enactor; it's my hobby. I love the South."

Inside the J. Rogers Postal Express camp, Elise Marsh and Sarah Jusak, postmasters, prepare letters for delivery. Homemade ink from boiled walnuts is used to write the letters, which are accepted with hints of smiles tugging at the men's cheeks and nudges from their buddies. The letters are read and tucked into the breast pockets of the soldiers' uniforms.

"We write letters and they are delivered to the soldiers before battle," said Debra Spurlin. "We try and make the letters as authentic as possible. The way they talked then was different, with a lot of 'I pray' and 'My fondest wishes.' The letters are delivered at colors in the morning."

Across the way from the Post Office is the campsite of Confederate Army Chaplain Joey Young and his family, Old Paths Mission. At 10 a.m. today, Young will deliver an authentic church service. The Youngs also distribute reproductions of the same Gospel tracks originally given to soldiers between 1861 and 1865.

Other events during the day include Confederate camp tours, lectures and programs, battle amputation demonstrations and cannon fire. Organizers anticipate anywhere between 10,000 and 15,000 attendees throughout the weekend.

The Battle of Aiken continues today, rain or shine. Gates open at 9 a.m., with part two of the Battle of Aiken beginning at 2:30 p.m. Spectators should bring blankets or lawn chairs to watch the battle re-enactments.

Tickets are $6 for students and $12 for adults. Ages 5 and under are free and parking is free. Confederate Park is located at 1210 Powell Pond Road off I-20 at Exit 19.

For more information, call 641-1111 or visit www.battleofaiken.org.