History is all around us, and often where you least expect it.
In a small corner of Limestone County, Texas, is the Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site, a unit of the Texas Historical Commission. Each spring for many years now the site and its friends group have hosted a living history weekend and school day to educate about days gone by.
This year, due to spring weather and event conflicts, the Friends of the Confederate Reunion Grounds, who works to raise awareness and funds for the site, chose to try a fall event. If all goes as hopes, it will replace the spring Living History Days.
The Confederate Reunion Grounds lies at the confluence of the Navasota River and Jacks Creek. Starting in the late 19th Century the veterans of the Confederate Army that had moved to Texas gathered here each summer to reminisce about their wartime experiences with their comrades in arms and their families as well. Beneath the Bur Oak trees they would camp, while special trains came from all over Texas with the veterans.
The social heart of the Conferate Reunion Grounds! The Dance Pavillion, built in 1893.
School Day could not happen without volunteers!
Dance Lessons!
Representatives from other THC sites always support us. In this case, Caddo Mounds.
Old Valverde. Captured in 1864 at the Battle of Manfield, it was used for years to open and close the reunions.
Flying proudly!
Excited visitors to the site!
Sutlers demonstrating their wares and educating at the same time!
Ms. Burkeen and site educator, Ms. Richardson.
Without reenactor volunteers, these things would never work! Great work, Ms. Stephanie!
Display of various flags.
Brazos Rose chapter of the Order of the Confederate Rose has supported us for years.
Blacksmithing!
Learning about the US Camel Corps project of the 1850s.
Camels are always a hit with the crowds.
Learning about the livestock.
Moo.
Living Historians camp in the Navasota Valley.
Rifle Demonstrations.
Texas troopers
She makes you proud, doesn't she?
A view of sutler row from the parade ground
Mr. Furlow discussing flags while he sews on one of his reproductions.
Blacksmithing is always a hit.
Stay away! It is hot!
Our own Captain Ron setting up his home for the next two days
A view of the 12th Texas Artillery's camp.
Young ones are the key to our future. Teach them right!
Tired?
The 12th Texas Infantry in formation for the Saturday morning flag-raising.
Drummer Boy Ice Cream is always a hit.
Mr. O'Toole from the Pearce Civil War Museum inviting visitors to their annual Veterans Day Living History in Corsicana. For those interested, it is on November 10 this year.
Old Valverde has such an interesting history!
More pictures are sure to follow as volunteers and workers sort and sift through their cameras and phones over the next few days. The CRG is a special place and an historical jewel in central Texas. Most people drive by between Mexia and Groesback or from Mexia to Waco and never even stop.
Next time you are in the area, please do. Show some love to the veterans and their families who held the grounds in a special regard, just as many of us still do.
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