A common feature during the Civil War and early America were the numerous fences and walls separating fields and property. Wood fences of varying types (usually snake rail or rail & post) were built to keep animals out of the fields. Since farm animals often were allowed to run through the woods and open meadows, it was important to keep them out of the crops. Fences also deterred wild animals from eating and damaging the crops.

Chinn Ridge, Manassas Battlefield Park

As war broke over the land, almost every battle was fought over farms and fences. One can hardly read an account of a battle without a fence becoming a focal point of the battle. Fighting around the Hagerstown Turnpike at Sharpsburg at other battles such as Logan Gross Roads, Gettysburg, Shiloh, Port Republic, Manassas, Monocacy, Perryville, Chickamauga and so many others make us think of the many fences.

"From the left and rear came wave after wave of Confederates. At that moment the only troopsfacing them were two regiments of Ohio infantry taking cover behind the radience. (The Ohioans knew what was coming. they had witnessed the few surviving New York Zouaves stagger out of the woods). The Confederate columns divided around the Chinn House and swept toward the fence line, less than 100 yards away. Suddenly the Ohioans rose and fired Their concentrated volley struck the front rank of the Confederates like a shock wave. For ten minutes deafening musket fire continued at close range until overwhelming numbers forced the Ohioans back along the ridge. Their courage delayed Longstreet's troops long enough for additional forces to deploy along the ridge to their rear."

Troops tended to draw security from being part of a close knit ordered formation, or by the obstacles around them. The benefit of a rail fence or another obstacle between you and the enemy was powerful. Rail fences tended to stop a percentage of the bullets fired, but they provided a more important psychological edge to the defenders. Holding a line behind a fence allowed soldiers to take even more advantage of the ground and keep low while loading and firing.

Also, defending a fence against a charge gave a definite advantage to a defender, because an attacker could not come to grips as easily with the defender, often causing the attacker to stop short if a stout resistance was put up. Defending an obstacle such as a fence with your bayonet or clubbed rifle definitely favors the defender. Fences also became a great place to rally troops behind due to the above reasons.

Fences in Johnny Reb

Fences in Johnny Reb (my comments are based on the JR III rules and modifiers) provide a direct benefit for defenders. Defenders receive a -1 DRM from the cover of a fence from small arms fire. This benefit, while not large, can make a difference in final die roll calculations. Fences do not provide a defensive benefit against artillery due to the likelihood of the fence rails to scatter from a direct artillery hit.

Other benefits include a -1 DRM during a charge impact roll, which can be significant to the overall outcome, and at a minimum it counteracts the effect of charge 61an. Defending cover such as a fence will also convey a -1 DRM during morale checks, which can make a significant difference to the overall odds of passing a morale check. After all, a wood fence can make a Green unit the equivalent of Veteran, a Veteran unit Elite and an Elite unit quite unmovable. Add an officer to the mix and the position can become quite strong.

The cover and morale benefits from a rail fence are obvious, but how can players utilize fences to their best advantage? Finding a fence line, which can be combined with other cover such as woods, a sunken lane or terrain which blocks line of sight, can be useful. For instance, a unit holding a woods line with the cover benefit of a fence get the benefit of a - 3 DRM for fire, and the usual -1 DRM for morale.

You will not always be able to take advantage of a fence depending where it is located in relation to other defensible terrain, or depending upon the amount of artillery the opponent has amassed against you. Ideally, the best fences are outside of direct artillery line of sight, however the troops defending a fence against artillery fire would still get a morale benefit, but not a cover/fire benefit. Staking your line out on a series of fences will give your position a little more strength and allow you to leave a reserve in the rear in support of the position.

Modeling Fences

Fences can be easily modeled for gaming purposes. Your choices are to buy commercially available fences, both finished and unfinished, or make your own. As far as vendors, Musket Miniatures has a nice 5-rail (post & rail) fence, which is made of metal. You can also purchase finished fences from Battlefield Terrain Concepts (www.battlefieldterrain.com).

Of course, you can also consider building snake rail fences by hand. Remember weathered wood actually takes on a gray or tan/gray color, although the initial thought is to paint fences brown. Gamers of the American Civil War should have plenty of fence available their games. All fields were fenced in the middle 19th Century in America. I find that I need well over 70' of fence for a modest-sized table, more to cover my 6'x11' table. An average-sized field of 12"x8" will take over 3' of fence to surround it.

Also, most roads were lined with fences, so your supply of fence can be used up quickly. Viewing period maps showing crops and fence lines can provide a better impression of the sheer amount of fences needed.

In summation, fences were crucial during battles and affected the tactics and actions taken. Johnny Reb also takes the effects of fences into account, so if you use period tactics, you will usually get period results. So get out the fence, practice those tactics and have fun!

(This is the first in a series of articles by the author that will address terrain in Johnny Reb, including some how-to articles)