Hector Espino/Jefferson Jimplecute
The Battle for Jefferson is back again with some exciting new twists. Event Coordinator Jim McIntosh wanted to bring a new and improved event for the attendees to look forward to.
This year, attendees will get a chance to engage with the reenactors and are encouraged to say “hi”. There will also be a marksmanship competition between the reenactors, an artillery demonstration, and much more.
The Battle for Jefferson is “the battle that never was but might have been” McIntosh said.
When the Civil War started the first 100 men to volunteer were out of Marion County. During the war, the location served as a supply and recruitment point. This location was the final target for the Confederate army, but the U.S. troops were turned around in Shreveport.
This reenactment is “a nod to history that did take place, look at it as an art form for questioning what happened” McIntosh said.
Beginning in the 80’s and 90’s the popularity of reenactments skyrocketed across the country. Jefferson got a chance to tell their story of history. In a time of technology there has been trouble reaching the youth in recent years. McIntosh hopes to change that this year with his additions to the event.
The reenactment lasts about an hour where attendees will be able to, “get as close to real combat as you can get in real time,” McIntosh said.
With about 300 to 400 reenactors, commanders will conduct their troops with real combat strategies. Commanders are mic’d up and will use the same tactics of the time, trying to flank their opponents to victory.
Each year is a different variance of the battle to keep attendees on their toes and expecting the unexpected.
With the event growing bigger each year, McIntosh encourages attendees to “show up early, stay late and talk to the guys.”
Last year’s event brought out an estimated 2000 attendees from all over the country. Mclntosh wants the event “to grow bigger and bigger every year.”
McIntosh loves to see the, “community come together and see people who are just good folks.”
“It is an opportunity to see what it can lead to if we don’t learn how to talk to each other and get along,” McIntosh said.
This is a ticketed event and those can be purchased on their website https://battleforjefferson.com. The ticket will cover your entry fee as well as your parking fees.
The event takes place May 3-5, so grab your tickets and save the date.