I was thrilled to return to Belmont Hall, DE after missing last year’s event. This stately Georgian mansion, built in 1773, is one of Delaware’s most treasured historic homes—nestled among towering trees, sweeping lawns, and beautifully tended gardens.

Located about 40 miles south of Wilmington, the estate sits in Smyrna, making my drive from the Philly suburbs a manageable 80-minute highway trip. The day began with light showers that lingered, casting a misty atmosphere over the grounds that somehow added to the historic ambiance.

My first visit two years ago was memorable, especially with several photo friends in attendance—though bittersweet now, as one of them sadly passed away last year. The annual Revolutionary War Day reenactment honors Belmont Hall’s role as a Patriot headquarters during the Revolution, featuring living history camps, musket demonstrations, period dancing, and skirmish reenactments involving the Smyrna Militia, all set against the backdrop of Governor Thomas Collins’ historic home.

As the reenactors lined up in formation, it was unusual for me to see those portraying British troops at other events wearing striking red uniforms, now outfitted in homespun clothing. 

When I’m at events, I’m always on the lookout for something unusual to photograph. I tend to scan the entire scene and seek out details that stand out—like in this photo. I noticed these two reenactors standing together, and when I looked down (which I often do), the contrast in their leggings and footwear immediately caught my eye. It was a subtle but striking visual difference, and I thought it would make for an interesting shot. I’m really pleased with how it turned out.

The gentleman on the left is portraying Thomas Collins, a prominent planter, military leader, and statesman who served as the eighth governor of Delaware. Collins lived at Belmont Hall, a stately Georgian mansion in Smyrna built around 1773. Originally part of a land grant called Pearman’s Choice from William Penn in 1684, Collins purchased the property in 1771. Belmont Hall was not only his residence but also a center of Revolutionary activity—Collins hosted Delaware’s Assembly there in 1776 when British threats made meeting in New Castle unsafe.

The gentleman on the right represents Allen McLane, a distinguished officer in the Continental Army celebrated for his daring service. This image captures these historic figures in conversation within the west parlor, a room noted for its elegant woodwork and fireplace. To evoke a sense of nostalgia and authenticity, I converted it to black and white using ON1 software, giving it a timeless, historic feel.

Here is my favorite photo of the day. The reaction is absolutely perfect—pure emotion captured in a split second. But to truly appreciate it, a bit of backstory is needed.

In 1777, British troops attempting to capture Brigadier General Thomas Collins—who would later become governor of Delaware—shot and killed a sentry stationed on the widow’s walk of Belmont Hall. This tragic moment became a flashpoint in local Revolutionary War history.

During the reenactment, the performers staged a dramatic skit where loyalists and patriots clashed over their allegiance to King George. Tensions escalated from heated words to physical confrontation. This photo captures the exact moment when the action erupted—faces full of shock, defiance, and raw energy. Priceless!

At any event featuring musket or cannon fire, I always aim to capture a photo like this one. What really caught my attention here was the length of the blast—it appears to stretch nearly the full length of the musket, which is quite striking.

The blast stands out more clearly because the reenactors here weren't in direct sunlight but positioned under the trees, in the shade. That contrast makes a big difference. Many reenactments take place in open fields during the harshest time of day for photography—early afternoon—when the light tends to wash out colors. While I can recover some of that in post-processing, shaded conditions are ideal for capturing the blast's vivid orange flash.

Click here for here for Revolutionary War Day reenactment 2025 Photo Gallery.

Thank you for reading! Blog #100 will be posted on November 15, 2025. Be safe & well!

Huzzah,

Ken Bohrer