Sabine Pass Reenactment 2011

Instant fog is made when a Confederate field piece opens up
at the Battle of Sabine Pass reenactment Sept. 10, 2011.
(Photo by  Mike Jones)

CONFEDERATE VICTORY REMEMBERED



          SABINE PASS, Texas -- The stunning Confederate victory  of the Battle of Sabine Pass on September 8, 1863, was remembered with memorial services and a reenactment of the battle on September 10 and 11 at Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site.

        Among the activities on Saturday were the court martial and execution of  Lt. Elijah P. Allen for desertion. The memorial service and battle reenactment.

Ed Cotham, left, gave the memorial address. (Photo by Mike Jones)

        Ed Cotham, author of Sabine Pass: The Confederacy's Thermopylae (University of Texas Press, 2004), was the guest speaker. He noted in his speech that the small garrison of Fort Griffin, about 41 men, voted unanimously to stay and fight against the Union invasion fleet and troops in spite of the odds against them. He also  commended the bravery  of the Union Navy which was so badly beaten n the battle.

       Ladies from the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Order of the Confederate Rose laid the memorial weaths at the Dick Dowling Monument. The memorial service was hosted by hte Jefferson County Historical  Commission.

      The master of ceremonies was Ron Ellington, past chairman of  the Jefferson County Historical Commission. The invocation was given by Sid Holt, chaplain of Col. Philip  A. Work Camp 1790, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Woodville

     Chris Elliot, site manager gave the welcoming address. The color guard was provided by members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Among the supporters of the event were Dick Dowling Camp 1295, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Edward Lea Camp 2, Sons of Union Veterans.

     Here are some photo highlights of the reenactment (all photos by  Mike Jones).

Confederate gunners.



Confederates defending Texas from invaders.



Confederate troops ready for battle.