Article written by Mary LaFrance
Leroy Swamp and his son Loran, 13, are your average father and son duo grabbing a quick bite to eat before heading home. Except, these two are talking through the process of loading and firing a Civil War era canon in preparation for their upcoming trip to Appomattox, VA, to one of the largest gatherings of Civil War reenactments in the country.
Leroy and Loran are both artillery men with the 118th New York Volunteers Infantry Adirondack Regiment. The group of enthusiasts have a passion for recreating the past and bringing history to life by traveling the country doing reenactments and presentations about this important period in American history.
“We got started about four years ago,” said Leroy, adding that it was a good time to join because it is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and reenactments and other events are at an all-time high. Loran’s interest first peaked after reading a history book about the Civil War and says it was the first war to be photographed.
“I like the history of the war because it was the first real modern war,” said Loran. “Everyone thinks WWI but I always tell them the Civil War because of steam powered machines and new tactics like trenches and land minds.”
Participating in Civil War reenactments means going back in time, literally. When Leroy and his son make the journey out to one of their reenactment sites it usually means camping, dressing, and acting the part of a real Civil War era soldier. They do not use live ammunition, however, but the action is just as real.
“When you run out of ammo you just lay down on the ground and watch,” said Leroy. “And when the cavalry come in you can feel the ground shake.”
“It’s exciting!” added Loran, who often uses the excuse in school that he can’t hear because he is still deaf from canon fire from the previous weekend.
Leroy and Loran are both certified in canon operation and although Loran is too young to actually fire the canon his role as a “powder passer” is just as important. It is Loran’s responsibility to collect the gun powder from the artillery box and carry it in a leather satchel to the artillery commander before loading and firing. Sometimes Loran also acts as an honor guard, or a runner relaying messages among
the ranks. But, just like in classic Civil War era fashion all soldiers are equipped and at the ready to take over any role and Loran is knowledgeable of all positions and ranks within the Civil War reenactment realm.
Leroy says that he enjoys listening to his son talk to other reenactors sitting around the camp fire. Some of them have over 20 years of experience and Loran knows exactly what they are talking about. “It’s just fun,” continued Leroy, “It’s our time and we get to see a lot of the country.”
To date, the father son pair has traveled up and down the eastern states visiting battle sites such as Spotsylvania, VA, and the infamous Gettysburg, PA, meeting other reenactors all while learning more about history and themselves.
“Whenever we go and someone asks where we are from they have a piece of history to share about Akwesasne,” said Leroy. One such story was that men from Akwesasne went to fight in the Civil War, but the Chiefs brought them back because they would not be granted citizenship in return for fighting. However, some men from Akwesasne did serve in the Civil War and the pair are currently searching into their own family tree for these ties. One known ancestor is Peter Loran who may have served during the Civil War in either New Hampshire or Massachusetts.
Participants in Civil War reenactments come from many backgrounds including teachers, EMTs, police officers and even some Canadians. But it is not just the soldiers who can get in on the action, entire families come out to the reenactments and are part of the civilian regiment. Anybody who is interested in becoming involved with Civil War reenactments are encouraged to visit Facebook.com/118thNYReEnactors.
Loran says that it is important for him to participate so that history of the soldiers who fought will live on. When asked if Loran is thinking about moving up in ranks he responded,
“Lieutenant, maybe.”
