My Favorite Published American Revolution Reenactment Photos-2of 2
In my last blog #92, I shared the thrill and excitement of having many of my photos published in books and magazines. These validate my continued efforts and serve as a source of personal pride and motivation to create even better images. It has enhanced my professional reputation and signals to others that my work meets high standards. In this blog, I'll share some of my other published photos.
The thumbnail cover photo below of the Battle of Lexington and Concord by John Hamilton is a concise 32-page book aimed at young readers. Someone changed the cover photo from originally horizontal to vertical and B&W, and looks great. This photo depicts the Minutemen marching across the North Bridge on April 19, 1775. It is from the Lexington and Concord event in 2011.
There were three unique events I attended celebrating Patriots' Day, both times over a decade ago. The first was the Battle of Lexington, fought on April 19, 1775, that marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War when British troops clashed with colonial militia in Massachusetts—often referred to as "the shot heard 'round the world." This brief skirmish ignited a larger conflict between Britain and its American colonies.
The second confrontation was the Battle of North Bridge in Concord, where 400 militia engaged roughly 90 British troops at this site. This skirmish marked the first organized resistance by colonial militia against British troops. Militiamen confronted and forced British soldiers to retreat, signaling the start of the Revolutionary War. This clash demonstrated the colonists' willingness to fight for their rights and independence. The photo above shows the crossing of the North Bridge, dispersing the British troops. But the most realistic and haunting spectacle is the depiction of Battle Road when the British troops were retreating to Boston, seen below.
This 3rd reenactment is a living history tactical demonstration that recreates key moments from the British retreat from Concord to Boston, where colonial militia ambushed British troops along a winding country road now known as Battle Road. What is Battle Road?
"Battle Road Trail is a five-mile trail connecting historic sites from Meriam's Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington. Much of the trail follows the original remnants of the Battle Road, where thousands of Colonial Militia and British Regulars fought a bloody engagement on April 19, 1775."
This photo shows the British troops marching back to Boston. But there was a surprise waiting for them on this trek.
Patriots' Day weekend, held around the day of the engagement, April 19th, should be on everyone's bucket list. It is one of the most exciting reenactment events I've attended.
In October 2023, I received this unexpected and exciting e-mail-
I work as an educator for the outreach branch of the North Carolina Museum of History, a part of the state’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. One resource our section produces is the Tar Heel Junior Historian magazine. It is a free resource for 4th-12th grade students and educators who are members of free Tar Heel Junior Historian clubs across the state. The Fall 23 and Spring 24 issues focus on the buildup to the American Revolution as part of work we are doing for the upcoming 250th anniversary of those times called It’s Revolutionary!
What an honor! The museum used many of my photos in the publication; two are below.
One of my favorite reenactments each year is The Battle at Monmouth in NJ. I have so many memorable photos, including this one from that event in 2018. This photo was the cover photo of the Tar Heel Junior Historian Vol 63, Num 2, which explores a theme tied to North Carolina’s rich history and culture, offering engaging stories and educational insights for young readers.
I remember taking this photo that day. Immediately, I knew that, with the American flag fluttering in the breeze, this would make a great image. I photographed many similar pictures at that time, but this is the best one. It became the cover photo of the magazine with some cropping and also changing it from a horizontal photo to vertical!
When the North Carolina museum selected the necessary photos, they reviewed my entire site. That's a lot of galleries to review since there are over 10,000 images to consider. Funny how they selected numerous photos I've forgotten about over time, including the one below from The Battle of Guilford Courthouse in 2011. I've only attended that event, unfortunately, only two times, and it occurred years ago now. I need to go back again!
I always liked this photo. It reminds me of ants scurrying in synchronized chaos here and there. At this event, as I recall, it wasn't possible to get close to the action. Some events are like that. Luckily, I have a long lens, Nikon 80-400 4.5-5.6 VR, to photograph events like this.
Thank you for reading! Blog #94 will be posted on September 1, 2025. Be safe & well!
Huzzah,
Ken Bohrer
