By Ken Bohrer of American Revolution Photos. September 1, 2024, Blog #75
It is always a pleasure to post my very good friend’s blog. Ken Bohrer, College Counselor, is also an outstanding photographer. He has devoted decades to recording American Revolution reenactment events like few others. His extensive portrayal of those dedicated to preserving our nation’s most critical period is priceless. When Ken’s shutter clicks, history pauses. It allows us to stand beside our forefathers. To encounter the action, the triumph, the fear, the heroics and cowardice…the splendor. Giving life to imagination. Each photo, a piece of history preserved for generations. Thanks reenactors. And thanks Ken for your art.
What about forts, for boys of any age, that make them so much fun to visit? It started when I was a kid visiting Fort Ticonderoga and Fort William Henry with my family. As an adult, I’ve often visited Fort Mifflin, once Fort Boonesborough, and now Fort Roberdeau, for their annual Revolutionary War Days event. Where is this fort? It’s in Altoona, PA, about two hours from Pittsburg. I live outside of Philadelphia, so I left on Friday around Noon, and it was a pleasant four-hour highway drive. When I arrived in town, I had dinner and relaxed in my hotel, preparing for my busy Saturday. Before this event, I knew nothing about Fort Roberdeau.
It was also known as The Lead Mine Fort. It was built in 1778 during the American Revolution and occupied until 1780. The stockade, restored as a Bicentennial project between 1975 and 1976, features the reconstructed Revolutionary War fort, buildings, smelter, and a 19th-century farmhouse.
What was great about the programming at this event was the busy yet manageable pace of all the activities. There was minimal downtime. In this depiction, a group of settlers came across this cabin in 1778, where all of the inhabitants, men, women, and children, were massacred. Raids like this were a common occurrence living on the frontier. It was usual for neighbors and families to be loyal to the English, called loyalists or those who wanted to create a new nation, referred to as patriots. This time was our nation’s first Civil War.
The kids involved in the skit, especially the girls, were quite convincing. When they came upon their dead neighbors/family, they started crying and shrieking so convincingly that the young kids in the audience started crying and wailing. They had me rattled too.
These men in this region of PA were all experienced frontiersmen. They knew how to survive with help from no one. They were tracking those responsible for the cabin massacre. Read tales of what happened during these raids then and how horrific these times were. So, how did you determine who was on what side? Since it was hard to distinguish who was a Loyalist (loyal to England), they mentioned wearing yellow ribbons in their hats to differentiate themselves at this event.
It’s fun to watch reenactors speaking with families about the American Revolution. Reenactors enjoy interacting with the public, especially kids, and sharing their knowledge. Every time I speak with one, I learn something new. Ask a question the next time you attend an event!
I shot this photo near the end of the battle reenactment. The scenario was that Loyalists almost captured some women and young girls. They were able to avoid capture and ran to the fort’s safety. At first, the girls walked, then boom, they started running to the fort. Unexpectedly, this girl just went airborne. She was fine, got up, and continued to the fort. Luckily, I acquired experience shooting action shots like this when photographing college football, lacrosse, and soccer events years ago. You’re striving for the peak of action, which I captured here.
Around 4 pm, I left. After an hour of driving, I was looking for a restaurant to recharge myself. Now, breakfast is my favorite meal, and at that time, I saw a sign for Dennys. I last visited that restaurant a while ago, but I remembered they had a great breakfast. And they do. After a marvelous high-calorie meal, I was back on the road again. Before arriving home, the car GPS lady wanted me to see as many small towns and remote spots as possible! I drove, drove, and drove some more. I did get home late, but importantly, I was safe. Based on my short adventure, I highly recommend visiting Fort Roberdeau.
Thank you for reading! Blog #76 will be posted in October 2024. Be safe & well!
Check out my photo gallery with over 100 photos from this event.
Ken Bohrer