A How to Guide: Tour a Battlefield
Welcome to Battlefields and Brews!
This blog is going to capture two of the most dynamic and important parts of world history, battles and the beverages warrior’s drink after battle. Due to my excellent location in the mid-Atlantic region, the initial focus of tours will be in Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields and the blossoming craft breweries in the area. So that my wife doesn’t murder me in my sleep, we will also work in the occasional vineyard and distillery as we venture as a family in the more enjoyable parts of the year.
As a Veteran and student of history, I might take a different view of battlefields than many historians and tourists. From my point of view the following items are the most crucial when researching and enjoying a tour of a battlefield or historical site.
Terrain Matters: I teach this to my Soldiers and younger leaders. In maneuver warfare, terrain of the human, natural, and built environment often are more crucial to the outcome of the battle than the personalities involved.
Mission Command: I don’t often get enamored with the leaders of various militaries or battlefields. The men in charge matter little if they cannot communicate their decisions (Command) and enforce these orders while allowing for initiative within their subordinate units (Control).
Logistics: Here’s misquoted adage: Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics. If you can’t get your men, material, and weapons to the fight than as an Army or militant force you will not win the war. As the Confederacy learned, ability to resupply and maintain a material base is more important than your martial skill.
Where to Drink (and Eat): Men have swapped war stories over a beer for as long as there has been beer and war. The cottage industry of delicacies in and around tourist attractions is driving force in local economies. Often if you are lucky there is a historic tavern that may have served the same men who fought on the ground you just walked upon.
Honor the Dead: It doesn't matter if you agree with the philosophy or strategy of a conflict. For the average Soldier they didn't really care, they were often hungry, tired, and miserable as they fought desperately for their lives and those of their comrades. Humorous stories aside, any battlefield visitor should remember the sacrifice of so many human beings.
Upcoming 2015 Battlefields and Breweries:
Gettysburg National Military Park and Battlefield Brew Works (Distillery too): Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The Raid on Chambersburg and Roy Pitz Brewery: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Brandywine Battlefield and Victory Brewing Company: Brandywine, PA
Bushy Creek Battlefield and Full Pint Brewing Company: Pittsburgh, PA
March on Pittsburgh and Wigle Whiskey Distillery (Whiskey Rebellion Site!): Pittsburgh, PA
Fort McHenry and Duclaw Brewing : Baltimore, MD
The British March on DC (Battle of Bladensburg) and DC BRAÜ: Washington, DC
Next time: How to Visit a Brewery (without making your companions miserable)
