This weekend, the Tramp Brigade, Organization of Historical Interpreters, in conjunction with the National Park Service Fort Sumter National Monument, hosted the 1859 Fort Moultrie Living History.  Participants came from as far away as Minnesota to take part in this recreation of life on Sullivan's Island on the eve of the Civil War.  Brian Hicks led a group as the captain of Company E, First US Artillery inside the fort.  The Regulars learned siege artillery drill, infantry drill, participated in fatigue details and lived the life of a soldier in a peacetime army.  Local civilian men were participating in their bi-monthly militia muster and drill outside of the Fort.  Led by a new captain, Dan Shealy, they brushed up on drill and setting up camp.  As usual, the muster and drill of a beat company was more social than military.  Of course, several of the militia members were without weapons and were forced to pay the fine levied by the captain, who seldom listened to the excuse of his men for their lack of weapons and equipment.  Fort employees were also outside the fort walls preparing the meals for the Regulars, who were gracious enough to allow the beat militia to share in the food.  Augusta Carr, Tina Temm, and Jennifer McGarrahan worked over the cook fires in 90+ degree heat all day to keep the men fed.  The heat of the weekend certainly affected the men, as hydration was the word of both days.  It was decided too hot on Saturday for the men to play rounders as many were ready to swim in the ocean.  Several of the regulars and militia made their way to the beach Saturday evening to attempt to supplement their diet with fish and crabs.

We want to thank the men and women who made this event both fun and educational.  Without the support of so many, we could not have made the 1859 Fort Moultrie Living History happen.

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