Culloden 2002: 5 Years and Still Growing!
By Chris Timm

At a distance, some would look upon the 5th installment of the popular Culloden living history weekend as a carbon copy of the rest and thus running contrary to the previous practice of moving the site around and adapting the program to the location. But upon closer examination it was found that this was not the case and continued to be a growing event with varied programming while sticking to the core of the event.

For the second year in a row the re-enactment weekend dealing with the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 in Scotland and England was held at George Rogers Clark Park in Springfield Ohio. Jim Campbell and his team at GRC were kind enough to step up when the site the event had originally decided on was unable to deliver. His willingness to stand in the gap and not only provide the venue but, in the opinion of most, a superior event is a testimony to him and those he works with.

As a result, the weekend of May 17-19 saw the forces of Charles Edward Stuart face off once against those of King George. Again the idea of a carbon copy of the previous year could be considered as the weather initially mirrored that of 2001, rain was threatened and was delivered.

Heavy rain on Friday caused the cancellation of the raising of the standard but the spirit of the participants was not broken and they were rewarded with clear and sunny skies on Saturday morning. While the weekend was chilly, weather was not a factor for the remainder of the event and as a result there was not a repeat of last years “mudlodden”.

The Crown Forces were led this year by Bill Sheets who did an excellent job of building esprit de corp and many commented on how well turned out and active the army of King George was. He was ably assisted by his officers and NCOs plus had a fine train of artillery and cavalry scout. A highlight for the Army was a lively recreation of the Duke of Cumberland’s birthday party on Saturday afternoon (and evening!) which from all reports was a spirited affair.

The Jacobites fielded a veteran army with very few changes from previous years. Chris Timm again led the Army of King James in the role of Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Scott Paterson acted as a brigade commander as “Young” Ranald MacDonald. But a new officer joined the ranks as the other brigade commander. Wes Weaver acted in the role of Lord George Murray, replacing Glenn McClain who decided to pursue other ventures as an Edinburgh merchant and member of the 77th Frasers. Wes performed admirably and maintained the fine tradition of previous years.

While once again the battle of Prestonpans, and the popular highland charge, was recreated on Saturday, and the watershed Battle of Culloden on Sunday, there were several new program additions which turned out to be a hit with the participants. On Sunday a tactical was held for the re-enactors that turned into a sharply fought contest with no clear-cut winner evident. This also allowed for the opportunity of contrasting the tactics of sword/targe versus the musket.

On Saturday a top quality ceileigh was hosted by Joey Hall of Father Son and Friends where the ample talent of the participants was evident in song and playing. After the ceileigh, the Jacobite Army re-created the night march from Culloden to Nairn in April 1746 where they attempted to catch the Duke of Cumberland’s forces in their tents. As with history the camp was never reached but it was an excellent opportunity for night maneuver and to examine command and communications.

In addition, on Saturday afternoon all the pipers participating (and even one who was a spectator) came together for the Gathering of the Pipers and so the massed band played a variety of tunes and impressed all present with their talents. Organized by Owan Munro of Clan MacDonald and Caleb Gilbert of the MacKintosh Regiment, this was an excellent addition.

For the ladies and young girls there was an opportunity for a formal tea with the Prince in the Jacobite camp. The turnout was excellent and the dress even better. This was an opportunity for the ladies to dress up and practice 18th century social skills, which they took full advantage of.

Participants again traveled from throughout the United States and Canada and once more there was a contingent from Scotland who joined the event. They were rewarded with a great opportunity to teach and learn about life during these turbulent times. For next year, look for a venue change and completely revamped program. In fact the name of the event may even change but the same magic and spirit will prevail!