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A Union Soldiers’ Camp Comes to Westborough

The daily life of a Union soldier springs alive in the encampment of the 13th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company F reenactors on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Westborough High School.  This Civil War Living History Day, sponsored by the Westborough Historical Society and Westborough Historical Commission, is free and open to all ages, rain or shine.

The day’s activities include drills, musket firing demonstrations, uniform and gear displays, open air cooking, dramatic readings and exhibits. Special drill instruction for children will also be offered.  Visitors are encouraged to stroll around the camp and engage the re-enactors in conversation.

Individual “dog” tents to shelter the Union soldiers line the make-shift main street. Tents are outfitted with a camp bed, lantern, mess kits, weapons and a few beloved personal items.  The aroma of baked beans and coffee rises from the open cook fire.  The soldiers tell tales of the battles they’ve survived as they clean their weapons and check their gear. A summons to drill brings a flurry of activity as each man grabs his musket and rushes into formation.

One of the program highlights is a 12:30 p.m. concert of Civil War-era songs by local songwriter, singer and guitarist Luanne Crosby. She will reach back to her folk roots and play a selection of songs from and about the Civil War era. During the Civil War period, some of the most popular songs were sung by North and South alike, according to Crosby. Many were sentimental, while many more were patriotic and spoke of love for country and willingness to die for the cause. Crosby will sing such songs as “Aura Lee,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “Two Brothers,” “The Cruel War,” and more.

“Many of the melodies are familiar, even if the background of the composition is unknown,” says Crosby.  “In this way, music becomes a historical reference that is part of all of us, even if we are not conscious that it’s taken its place within our hearts.”  Crosby has performed at the last several Arts In Common events, as well as the Rotary’s 2011 Spring Festival.  Performing at events such as these, she says, provides a way to support the kinds of community connections she believes are so important to an engaged society.  To learn more about Crosby, her music, her three CDs and Personal Performances, visit luannecrosby.com.

The 13^th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and its Company K played a key role in Westborough’s military history.  In a wave of patriotism after the attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861, 101 men from Westborough, Southborough, Upton, Shrewsbury, Hopkinton, and Northborough formed the Westborough Rifle Company.  These volunteers, 56 from Westborough, were mustered into service as Company K of the 13^th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.

In July 1861 the 13^th Massachusetts Infantry, a three-year regiment, marched from Boston to join forces with the Union Army in the “War of the Rebellion.”  Ultimately 1439 men from Massachusetts would join the ranks of the 13^th Massachusetts, a three-year regiment known for its bravery.  They fought in such battles as 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. In all, 161 brave men, including 25 from Westborough, sacrificed  their lives for the Union cause.  For more information on the historical 13^th Massachusetts Infantry and Company K, visit  www.13thmass.org

Major Mark Slayton commands the 13th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company F.  His lifelong interest in the Civil War resulted in his becoming a Civil War re-enactor in 1995, after visiting a local Civil War encampment. “Having one great and two great, great grandfathers who served in Infantry regiments during the war, this seemed to be a fitting way to carry on their legacy,” says Slayton. “What I didn’t realize then was that reenacting would become a way of life for me. American history is such an important part of who we all are today, and I believe that it’s important that we keep our history alive. As with the other members of the 13^th Mass, I enjoy portraying a Civil War Soldier and demonstrating what life was like for the common soldier in camp and on the field. “

The 13^th Massachusetts Infantry Reenactors is a group of dedicated Civil War historians who portray soldiers and civilians of the 1860s. They participate in reenactments, living history encampments, parades and dedication ceremonies. For more information on the 13^th Mass Reenactors, visit: www.13thmass.com

This Living History Day provides a vivid, personal connection to the Civil War. The Westborough Historical Society and Historical Commission present this event to the community as a commemoration of the 150^th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War.