Exploring the Fort at #4 by stepping back into History

The Fort at #4 is in Charlestown New Hampshire and sits on the Connecticut River. Jeff and I love exploring historical stops around New England and the Fort at #4 has been on our list for quite a while. It was a September stop but no fall colors at this point in this part of New Hampshire. (Jeff would call this a Plan B location)

Would it be cool if you could camp out with Native Americans, cook over an open fire, fire old guns and cannons, and stuff like that? Well, you could become a re-enactor!

Enjoy a re-enactment at the Fort at #4

Out at the Fort at #4 in Charlestown New Hampshire, they do that on a regular basis. On this particular weekend, we visited, they were hosting a French and Indian War encampment and re-enactment. (or Seven Year’s War or La Guerre de la Conquête [War of Conquest] depending on which side you are on.)

In this reenactment, those represented were British soldiers, American militia, Acadian militia (from Nova Scotia), Scotts in kilts for the English side, Canadian soldiers and militia, and Native Americans on the French side.

What side would your ancestors have been on? Jeff and I joked that we would have been on opposite sides of this war since my ancestors are French Canadian and Jeff’s were rooted in the American colonies.

What is it like to watch a reenactment? The soldiers march out onto the battlefield and shots are fired. Smoke from musket and cannon fire hang over the field as the river sparkles beyond the trees.

Here is a video that is not the best, taken with my little point-and-shoot camera, but you get the idea. Maybe it’s a little long but the commentary is very informative. (turn up the volume)

How about living in the camp? Soldiers, camp followers, and Native Americans mingle and shop for goods with the sutlers (peddlers selling their wares).

No hot dogs over these fires! A turkey, a roast, and even saw a blueberry pie cooking over open fires. All of it smelled great!

To be honest, I didn’t know much about the French and Indian War, but, without going into a long history lesson, it was what they call an intercontinental war which took place in 1754-1763, where the English and the French were fighting for control of territory in the colonies. So, the American colonies were fighting against the Canadian colonies, and the Native Americans got involved with their respective European allies.

And, this war also helped usher in our own independence. Due to the war, England was in debt and imposed more taxes. The colonies had developed a militia and our forefathers realized we could muster an army, and winning battles gave us the confidence to challenge the British as to their right to sovereignty over America.

George Washington gained military experience during this conflict. Also, when the time came to find allies, the French wanted revenge and a chance to get back lost territory. The stage was set. If you want more detail, read about it here.

Participating Reenactors (no particular order)

Benoni Dank company of Rengers Rangers
Hinsdale’s Garrison
27th Regiment of Foot
35th Regiment of Foot
60th Regiment of Foot
78th Regiment of Foot
1st Connecticut Provincials
Gorham’s Rangers
Milice du La Prairie de la Magdeleine

James Company of Ranger
Rogers Rangers
Terry’s Company NY Provincials
1st Royals
Jacob’s Company of Rangers
Bearn Regiment 2nd Battalion
Le Troupes de la Chevalure
Milice de L’Acafie
Garrison de Quebec
Woodland Confederation
Pequawket Confederation
60th Regiment

The different groups dressed in similar colors and I assume this is so they knew friends from foes on the field of battle.

At the end of the day the battle was ended for the day, now let’s eat!

Thanks for reading about our little trip back in time at Fort at #4. Fort at #4 is an open-air museum that has regular reenactments and activities. If you want to know more about the fort and its schedule, click here. And for hours, cost, and directions, click here.

~Lisa Folger

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

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