Civil War Re-enactment to be held at site where movie 'Gettysburg' was filmed

146th anniversary event to be held July 3-5

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 6/15/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE …

 

CONTACT:  

Andrea DiMartino

Media Relations

Gettysburg Anniversary Committee

(717) 338-1525

[email protected]

 

 

Most civil war enthusiasts vividly remember the major motion picture “Gettysburg” that was based on Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Sharra’s 1974 novel "Killer Angels." The epic film was produced and distributed by Ted Turner Productions. The star studded cast included Martin Sheen, Tom Beringer, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang Sam Elliott and many other Hollywood notables.

 

This summer on July 3, 4 and 5, the smoke and flame of full scale artillery fire, the explosions and smell of black powder, smoke rings drifting in the air, the distinct pounding of thundering hooves and the metallic clash of mounted cold steel sabers will be recreated at this same farm that hosted that epic movie.

 

Despite major marketing the 1993 movie enjoyed only modest success at the box office. This was in part because of its over four-hour length. It has since become one of the highest volume VHS and DVD sellers of all time.

 

For the first time, the National Park Service allowed the motion picture industry to create and film battle scenes directly on the Gettysburg Battlefield. These included scenes of Devil’s Den and Little Round Top. However, most of the movie was shot at a beautiful Adams County farm just south of Gettysburg, next to the Eisenhower Farm, and overlooking the historic Sachs Covered Bridge and the Round Tops. Thousands of Civil War re-enactors from across the country volunteered their time and expenses to come to Gettysburg to participate in the massive battle scenes for the movie.

 

There will be two major re-enactment battles on Saturday and Sunday with one on Friday at 6 p.m.  In addition, there will be field demonstrations, live mortar fire, a living history village, medical demonstration area and two large living history tents with continuous programs all day. Just a few of the announced living history programs include ladies period dress, Civil War music, period religious services, Civil War period weddings, presentations by the Generals and Civil War photography. Visitors can also stroll through the military camps talking to the re-enactors and browse the extensive sutler area. On Saturday and Sunday, a special Artillery Commemoration will feature the big guns.   

 

The 146th Gettysburg Anniversary Civil War Re-enactment is a very popular, all-day family event designed to both entertain and educate. This event will stimulate your senses and make those dusty old history books come alive. Tickets and complete information are available at the Official Gettysburg Re-enactment website www.gettysburgreenactment.com or by calling the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee at (717) 338-1525. Order tickets early as grandstand seating usually sells out in advance. For information on accommodations and visiting Gettysburg contact the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-337-5015 or online at www.gettysburg.travel.