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JOIN US ON TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2024, AT 7:15 P.M. (Pacific Time)
FOR A PROGRAM ON "THE BATTLE OF TREVILIAN STATION"
WITH Civil War Cavalry Reenactor Bruce Smith
Charge of the Confederate Cavalry at Trevilian Station, Virginia
by James E. Taylor - published in 1891
This presentation starts during the American Civil War, but continues onto the infamous plains of Montana of 1876. The presentation will be a study on Custer’s leadership at the Battle of Trevilian Station, June 11-12, 1864 compared to his leadership at the Battle of Little Big Horn, June 25, 1876, twelve years later. The Battle of Trevilian Station is often referred to by historians as Custer’s First Last Stand. We will examine both battles by looking at tactics, leadership, the participants, landscape and weapons. This will be an exciting and hopefully insightful talk looking at a snapshot of the life of George Armstrong Custer, one of the most colorful and written about characters in the history of the American west. Our speaker has visited both battlefields, including riding the Little Big Horn on horseback, and looks forward to bringing this presentation to you.
Major General George Armstrong Custer - 1865
colorized photo courtesy of Shenandoah Battlefields Foundation
Bruce Smith has had an active interest in the American Civil War since grade school. This interest was turned into a passion by a highly motivated college history professor. In 1997 he was tasked to start a mounted patrol unit at Arcadia Police Department. While selecting appropriate gear for the horses, he researched cavalry gear. This started a continuing study of the evolution of the United States Cavalry. He has read extensively on this topic both on cavalry equipment and tactics along with cavalry engagements and the men who led those engagements.
Bruce served 33 years with the Arcadia Police Department, and retired in 2013. For 16 years, he supervised the Arcadia Mounted Enforcement Team. He also served three years as the Barn Manager for Mt. San Antonio College, where he oversaw the care and training of the college’s quarter horse herd. Since 1990 Bruce, along with his wife, has owned and managed Cornerstone Equestrian Center in Norco, CA, where he trains and competes Hunter-Jumper and equitation horses. Bruce is a member of the “Spirit of the West Riders” who participate in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, where he portrays a Civil War cavalryman. Bruce also serves as a docent at the Lincoln Shrine Civil War Museum in Redlands CA. He has been a Civil War reenactor since 2004, portraying a mounted cavalry trooper. Bruce is also the owner of On-Site Living History, where he lectures on various cavalry topics.
Thanks to the volunteer efforts and expertise of our Pasadena CWRT members, Tina Miller and Monika Skerbelis, we are now able to record our monthly meetings and post the videos to our YouTube Channel for your enjoyment and edification if you are unable to join us for our live meetings. We invite you to check out the videos from our two years of virtual meetings, as well as our most recent presentations, at our YouTube Channel:
CLICK HERE
We are indebted to Tina and Monika for helping us to bring this wonderful added benefit to allow our non-local members and guests to enjoy the presentations of our distinguished roster of speakers.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR IN-PERSON MEETING:
Pasadena CWRT - TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2024 - 7:15 PM (Pacific Time)
The Blinn House - 160 North Oakland Avenue - Pasadena
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