The First Confederate Legion, led by Bill Rambo, will conduct their annual Camp of Instruction at Stones River National Battlefield. Visitors will get a chance to see the drill of artillery, cavalry, and infantry during the weekend of March 18-19, 2006 and discover how citizens learned to become soldiers during the Civil War.
The Camp of Instruction was the beginning point for nearly every Civil War soldier’s military experience. Individuals and groups of volunteers congregated at these camps where they were organized into regiments, issued their equipment, and taught the basic drill and tactics for their chosen arm. Daily drill periods encompassing eight to twelve hours a day were not uncommon in the first few months of a soldier’s career. Although the soldiers eventually left the camps for the front lines, their training never stopped, and drill remained an important part of every soldier’s day throughout the war.
Rangers will present brief talks focusing on the Camps of Instruction and daily drill at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM , 2 PM and 3 PM on Saturday March 18th. Talks will also be offered at 9 AM, 10 AM and 11 AM on Sunday March 19th. After these talks, visitors will be welcome to view the drill of all three arms from safe areas. National Park Service volunteers will be available to answer questions during all drill periods.
The drill schedule for the weekend is as follows. Some demonstrations will include weapons firing.
SATURDAY – MARCH 18, 2006
8-9AM – Cavalry School of the Trooper
8:30-9AM- Artillery School of the Piece
9-10AM – Artillery School of the Driver
9-10AM – Cavalry “Ground” Drill (Care of the horse in the field)
10:15-11:45AM – Infantry School of the Company
10:15-10:45AM – Artillery School of the Piece
10:15-11:45AM – Cavalry School of the Trooper
10:45-11:45AM – Artillery Mechanical Drill
1-2PM – Infantry School of the Battalion
1-1:30PM – Cavalry Weapon/Horse Safety Instruction
1:30-2:30PM – Artillery School of the Driver (Firing)
1:30-2PM – Cavalry Authenticity Instruction
2-3PM – Cavalry School of the Trooper (Firing)
3-3:30PM – Artillery School of the Piece (Firing)
3-4PM – Infantry School of the Battalion (Firing)
3:30-4:30 – Cavalry School of the Trooper (Firing)
SUNDAY – MARCH 19, 2006
7:30-8:30AM – Cavalry “Formation” Drill
8:30-9:30AM – LEGION Church Call
9:30-10:30AM – Infantry School of the Company
9:30-10:30AM – Artillery School of the Driver (Firing)
10-11AM – Cavalry School of the Trooper
10:30AM-12PM – Infantry School of the Battalion (Firing)
10:30-11AM – Artillery School of the Piece (Firing)
11AM-12Noon – Cavalry Dismounted Skirmish Drill (Firing)
These programs are a part of a series of interpretive programs offered at the battlefield during the year. Stones River National Battlefield is located on the Old Nashville Highway northwest of Murfreesboro. Additional information is available at the visitor center, by calling (615) 893-9501 or at the park website (http://www.nps.gov/stri).
