Reenacting History Amidst Rising Tensions

This chapter explores the historical significance of the Battle of Cedar Creek and its 2017 reenactment, set against a backdrop of modern political unrest surrounding Confederate monuments. It contrasts the personal journey of a reenactor named Gerald with the escalating fears of violence, sparked by threatening letters and the shadow of radical opposition. The narrative ultimately reflects on the complexities of preserving historical practices in a divided society, highlighting individual struggles for authenticity amidst contemporary cultural dynamics.