Defending the Backcountry;
Fort Frederick, Rangers & the Seven Years War
Fort Frederick MD, Jan 28th -30th 2022.
The 2022 SOTR Event, Defending the Backcountry; Fort Frederick, Rangers & the Seven Years War, will be conducted as a 48-hour immersive interpretive event & tactical. Participants will be assigned to a 30 man Ranging Company tasked with unique patrol objectives. Each patrol will have a main objective, as well as several tactical and fieldcraft skill taskings to complete, while under constant threat of a dedicated Opposition Force. In addition the 2021 event will feature significant civilian interaction with Fort Frederick’s kitchen, hospital and laundry staffed and interpreted.
Participants will experience a glimpse of barracks life “under military orders,” including the joys of issued provisions & bunk assignments, as well as being ordered out on fatigue duties and reconnoitering parties. Predominantly the weekend will consist of ranging on foot across broken terrain in inclement weather utilizing only 18th C appropriate gear. Participants should expect to experience fatigue, hunger and the effects of weather..
Event FAQ
When?
January 28 - 30 2022. Officially 2pm -2pm. .
Where?
Fort Frederick State Park. 11100 Fort
Frederick Rd, Big Pool, MD. The entire weekend will be held solely
in the historic fort & surrounding countryside, under 18th
C conditions. Fort Frederick link
What was a reconnoitering party?
The reconnoitering party was used; “to distress the French and their allies, by sacking, burning,
and destroying their houses, barns, barracks, canoes, battoes, &c.
and by killing their cattle of every kind; and at all times to
endeavour to way-lay, attack, and destroy their convoys of provisions
by land and water, in any part of the country...” By mid century, reconnoitering parties or “ranging” had
developed into its own military specialization recognized by the
British establishment. It was the tactics and techniques of
partisan warfare optimized for the forest.
Who conducted Reconnoitering Parties ?
During the 18th C conflicts
in North America, make-shift detachment of Provincials and militia
often attempted this role. At times it was British Soldiers &
officers. The British Reconnoitering specialization came to be known as Ranging. Originally Native allies were heavily depended on. Later
as combined arms strategies evolved, Light Infantry units preformed
much of this function.
But Rangers were the specialists that
developed the craft needed to survive the crucible of Total War in
the North American forests. By integrating woodmanship skills, and
Native American techniques with British organizational command and
control structures, rangers honed irregular warfare practices that
are largely followed today. This event will focus on the Rangers in and around Fort Frederick during the Seven Years War
Who's invited?
Registration is limited to 30 ranger participants portraying those that “ranged” in and around Fort Frederick during the Seven Years War. Participants must
meet the minimum equipment guidelines. Opposition Force & Fort Frederick civilians roles are extremely limited.
What to expect?
Participants should expect to spend the
entire Event in the elements & in primitive barracks conditions
field testing their kit and conducting immersive patrols, duties and recreational activities regardless of weather conditions.
Cost /Fees?
The registration fee is a $50.00 tax
deductible donation that covers attendance as well as the pre event online curriculum & discussion.
This effort is entirely voluntary and all proceeds go to the 501c3 Friends of Fort Frederick and it’s efforts to support the historic site. For more information on the Friends of Fort Frederick visit: www.friendsoffortfrederick.info
This effort is entirely voluntary and all proceeds go to the 501c3 Friends of Fort Frederick and it’s efforts to support the historic site. For more information on the Friends of Fort Frederick visit: www.friendsoffortfrederick.info
How do I participate?
For a registration packet email: Here.
