Anniversary marked at Chalk Bluff

The report of cannon fire was heard across the historic Chalk Bluff battlefield site on Saturday, as the annual re-enactment of the battle of 1863 was held. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

The boom of cannon and muzzleloader fire, and the acrid smell of blackpowder, once again fell across the fields around Chalk Bluff on Saturday as an historic Civil War battle was remembered.

The occasion was the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Chalk Bluff, which took place along the St. Francis River May 1-2 of 1863. The weekend also included a special ceremony Sunday to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

Despite the rain on Friday, conditions were good as the re-enactors and living historians set-up for the event. Once again this year there were demonstrations of camp life, cannon and rifle firing and Saturday included the cowboy shooting demonstration. The ladies also presented a demonstration of a refugee camp and hosted a tea stop for participants.

Those in attendance Saturday also had the opportunity to hear a talk on Chalk Bluff by W. Danny Honnoll, and the battle re-enactment was held before a large crowd that afternoon.

Sunday's activities began with Officer's Call, and a church service, followed at 1 p.m. with a memorial service honoring President Jefferson Davis and all the men who fell at Chalk Bluff. At 2 p.m. that afternoon the re-enactment was staged once again, followed by a grand review parade for the troops returning to camp.

This year's re-enactment was well-attended by both participants and the public. The battle featured four cannons, a supply wagon and dozens of troops representing soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Organizers also report a good turnout by the public this year, as nearly twice as many were on hand to view the activities when compared to last year.