Fort Frederick hosting Military Field Days

July 26, 1998

photo: RICHARD T. MEAGHER / staff photographer

By DAVE McMILLION / Staff Writer

BIG POOL - It took over 100 years for the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the Civil War to play out their parts in American history.

But with a visit to Fort Frederick State Park over the weekend, you could get a glimpse of all three.

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If the crack of gunfire between Confederate and Union reenactors wasn't your interest, a walk across the field to "Wayne's Light Infantry" showed life during the American Revolution.

Wayne's Light Infantry was a military unit that fought on the American side during the American Revolution.

Lynn DiCarlo helped a group of other women chop fresh herbs and onions for a dinner that was about to be cooked on an open fire. The women, in long dresses, worked under a white tent and prepared the food in wooden bowls on a table. Iron stands held heavy cookware over the fire.

During the Revolutionary War, it was the duty of women to follow men during the conflict, setting up camp and preparing food while men battled the enemy, said DiCarlo.

"They pretty much carried everything with them," said DiCarlo, sipping a drink out of metal cup.

John White, who sells 18th Century military and farm implements out of his Avalon Forge shop, has been coming to the 19th Annual Military Field Days for years. White, of Baltimore, said the rural nature of Fort Frederick, especially its star-lit sky at night, makes the event hard to beat.

"Compared to the hustle and bustle of Baltimore, this is one of my favorite spots," said White.

The event is held at Fort Frederick to remember the fort's use during the three conflicts, said David Miller, head historical interpreter at the park. About 700 people came to the event Saturday, which is a typical turn out for the Military Field Days, said Miller.

Boxes of Civil War bullets and pieces of other ammunition were spread out on a table in the Blue and Gray Relic Shop operated by Mike Klinepeter. It seems there's always Civil War bullets for sale at renactments, in antique stores and at flea markets, but Klinepeter said they are getting harder to find.

Increased development and restrictions by private landowners have made it more difficult to find the bullets over the last five years, said Klinepeter. Most are found with metal detectors.

"The well-known areas have been hunted pretty hard," said Klinepeter.

The Military Field Days continues today at the park from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is a service charge of $3 per adult and $1 per child ages 6 to 12.

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