The 260th Anniversary
“Battle of Culloden”
Living History Weekend

This spring, the ninth annual Culloden battle reenactment and Living History encampment will take place. The date is May 19-21 ’06, and the location will be Fort Loudoun State Historic Site in Fort Loudoun, Pennsylvania. Those interested in Scottish and British military history of the 18th century, Highland culture, and the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion in particular, mark your calendars and plan on attending this unique event!

The ’45, as it is called, represents not only a colorful period in 18th century history, but also a dynamic time period in the reenactment community and living history hobby. The ’45 allows for nobility, upper and lower class impressions, a wide variety of military and civilian opportunities, historic scenarios, large scale battles and intense small-party tacticals, all based on the events as they happened. It’s a time period that has refreshed the interest of many seasoned re-enactors from the Civil War time period on down, through the depth of character portrayal available. Yet, it’s still accessible to someone new to the hobby. Events have been held throughout the United States and Canada focusing on various elements of the 1745 campaign and also 18th century life in Scotland and England.

Coinciding with the 260th anniversary of the actual battle of Culloden fought April 16, 1746, the weekend promises to be the biggest and best ‘45 event yet! More individuals and groups have come on board, while impressions and authenticity standards have achieved impressive levels. To highlight this year we have a great site for the event which mirrors many of the terrain features found on the original battlefield. Fort Loudoun has tremendous experience staging living history weekends, including successful F&I and Civil War events. The site, along with the exciting program planned, promises to make this a memorable weekend.

Beyond the historic re-staging of the Battle of Culloden, the weekend will actually entail two exciting battle scenarios, along with numerous other activities and tacticals. Friday evening will feature the torch-lit Clan Gathering and a recreation of the raising of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s standard at Glenfinnan. Saturday’s program will revolve around the period leading up to and including the Jacobite capture of Edinburgh culminating in the Jacobite victory of Prestonpans. Later, Highland games will be held for all interested participants, which is always a highlight. The Government/British army’s camp will enjoy a festivity which actually took place on the eve of the Culloden fight: the birthday celebration of its commander the Duke of Cumberland.

Saturday evening, a ceilidh – a Gaelic term referring to a festive gathering – will take place with all event participants invited. This lively evening includes top-rate period music and a tavern.
Finally, Sunday will showcase the climactic battle of Culloden Moor; of course an overwhelming victory for the forces loyal to King George and the ultimate defeat for the rebel Jacobites….

Troop requirements and contact information follow below. Family participation is of course allowed, but be advised that individual registrations will not be accepted. Participants must belong to a pre-registered military unit or clan group, and will be invited by the host in order to ensure all site, safety and authenticity concerns are met. Unaffiliated individuals and interested groups are encouraged to make contact with one of the organizers in order to get connected with an approved group since there are ones throughout North America. In addition, assistance is available to create an appropriate impression.

Commanding the Crown Forces will be George Reilly, who of late led the British Army at the very successful “Braddock’s Defeat” event. Needed on the Crown side is: Regular infantry (both hatmen and grenadiers), Royal Artillery, mounted dragoons and loyalist Highland clansmen of the Argyll (Campbell) Militia.
For further information on the Crown Army, or to receive an invitation, contact:
Malcolm MacWilliam
821 W. Siddonsburg Rd.
Dillsburg, PA 17019
717-432-8911
manyflags@adelphia.net

Commanding the Army of King James will once again be Chris Timm, portraying Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Needed on the Jacobite/Rebel side is: Highland clansmen, Lowland militia, Royal Eccosais (Scots in the French army), and artillery. Detailed guidelines for Jacobite impressions are available at: http://www.macfarlanescompany.org/guidelines/page1.html
For further information on the Jacobite Army, or to receive an invitation, contact:
Chris Timm
68 St. Vincent Street
Kitchener Ont N2H 4R3
519-742-3882
rebellionof1745@yahoo.com


For more information regarding Fort Loudoun, and for Sutlers and Merchants contact:
Fort Loudoun Historical Society
P.O. Box 181
Ft. Loudoun, PA 17224
717-369-3318
secretary@fortloudoun-pa.com


For additional information regarding the 1745 Rebellion, and those who reenact it, go to the “Highlanders and Hanoverians” online resource at:
http://www.kezarcelts.net/jacobite