Culloden 2001: A Scottish Odyssey

This Spring, the fourth annual Culloden battle reenactment and Living History encampment will take place. The date for this event is 18-20 May, '01, and the location is George Rogers Clark Park in Springfield, Ohio. (Click here for directions to the site.) Those interested in Scottish military history, Highland culture, and the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion in particular, mark your calendars and plan on attending this unique event!

The '45, as it is called, represents a relatively new period in the reenactment community and living history hobby. While many individuals and even some scattered groups have engaged in portrayals from this era over the years, it is only recently that it has taken off as a bona fide "period" for hobbyists. The first Culloden event, which occurred in 1998 in Ontario, marks the true beginning of "Jacobite Rebellion" reenacting in North America, a venture that has grown to include hundreds of participants since that occasion. The latest incarnation, "Culloden 2001", promises to be the biggest and best yet! More and more individuals and groups have come on board, impressions and authenticity standards have achieved impressive levels, and we have a great site for the event.George Rogers Clark Park has much experience in hosting 18th Century living history weekends, including the highly successful annual "Fair at New Boston."

"Culloden 2001" will actually entail two battle scenarios, and numerous other activities. Friday evening will feature the torch-lit Clan Gathering and a recreation of the raising of Bonnie Prince Charlie's standard at Glenfinnan. Saturday's program will involve the Jacobite victory of Prestonpans and the Prince's entry into Edinburgh. Later, in the Jacobite camp, Highland game events will be held. The Government/British army's camp will enjoy a festivity which actually took place on the eve of the Culloden fight: the birthday celebration of its commander the Duke of Cumberland. The Redcoat lads will party in style! Saturday evening, a ceilidh Ð a Gaelic term referring to a festive gathering Ð will take place with all event participants invited. This will include period music, storytelling, skits, and so forth. Sunday will showcase the climactic battle of Culloden Moor; of course an overwhelming British victory and the ultimate defeat for the rebel Jacobites.

Standing in as Prince Charles Edward Stuart for the 4th year in a row, and commanding the rebel forces, will be Chris Timm of Kitchener, Ontario. The British commander, reprising his role as the Duke of Cumberland, is Bart Redmon of the 60th Reg't of Foot (Royal Americans). Bart would really like to field a superior force this year to counter the ever-growing army of Jacobites, so all you Redcoat Regulars out there are encouraged to attend! You will have a "target rich environment" of colorful, exotically dressed adversaries, plus experience the awesome Highland Charge firsthand. Come join the fun! A good turnout of British troops is needed to make this event work. Troop requirements and contact information follow below.

Family participation is of course allowed, but be advised that individual registrations will not be accepted. Participants must belong to a pre-registered military unit or clan group. This is due to safety and authenticity concerns. Unaffiliated individuals are encouraged to contact the folks below for assistance.

Needed on the Gov't/British side is: Regular infantry (both hatmen and grenadiers), Royal Artillery and dragoons, loyalist Highland clansmen of the Argyll (Campbell) Militia, and Lowland Scots Militia (F&I ranger units may modify their impression to portray the latter). For registration and uniform/impression details, contact:
Bart Redmon
1624 Mars Hill Dr #B
West Carolton, OH 45449
Phone: (937) 291-9701
E-Mail: Mtrufessus@aol.com

Needed on the Jacobite/Rebel side is: Highland clansmen, Lowland Scots, Irish Picquets (from Irish regiments in the French army), Royal Eccosais (Scots in the French army), and artillery. Detailed guidelines for Jacobite impressions. For registration and uniform/impression details, contact:
Chris Timm
68 St. Vincent St.
Kitchner, ON N2H 4R3
Phone: (519) 742-3882
E-Mail: cjtimm@yahoo.ca

Sutlers and Merchants contact:
George Rogers Clark Park C/O Jim Campbell
930 S. Tecumseh Rd.
Springfield, OH 45506
Phone: (937) 882-6000
E-Mail: jjcamp3@juno.com

For general information regarding "Culloden 2001" contact the event research historian:
Elliot MacFarlane F.S.A. (Scot)
Phone: (419) 475-5037
E-Mail: emacfarlane@accesstoledo.com

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