Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis despatched a group of veteran Game Masters to support our “History Through Another Lens” Initiative on Wednesday 11/18/25. The site was St. Charles Community College, the classes were Western Civilization and American History 101. The Goal was giving the students a chance to see history through the lens of Table Top Miniatures and the scenarios presented.
Our feature table was led by Pat Lewis and his superbly crafted version of Academy Games “1775“ “telling the tale of the American War of Independence on a large scale.
Our second game to get underway was a reprise of one from our October 2024 event at St. Charles County Heritage Museum, The Attack on a Cahokia Farmstead. Using 25mm miniatures and “One Hour Skirmish Wargame Rules” by John Lambshead. The game premised the initial approach of the British Native American Allies as they came across a defended farm on their way to Cahokia on 26 May 1780.
Game Three was a trip to Sherwood Forest hosted by Mark Williams. Using 28mm figures wonderful terrain and “Fistful of Lead” rules by Wiley Games the players took up the roles of Robin’s band of Merry Men or that of Nottingham and his troops.
Pat, having run this big board game numerous times at a variety of conventions was well versed in guiding new players through the game mechanics and system. This experience not only helped the students to get into the game quickly, but to take away an understanding of the historical situation and the challenges faced by the commanders of the day.
The Cahokia game started with the players taking out their phones and using the Maps App to find Cahokia Heights, Illinois. This gave them a feel for just how close they were to where this part of the American War of Independence took place. A mere 45 minutes from their classroom. Above we see the British Native American Allies advancing across an open field towards the farm house exchanging musketry with the Settlers. “One Hour Skirmish Wargames Rules” was modified for multiplayer use by giving each player a card deck and reducing the number of turn ending Jokers to one per deck.
Mark guided the students through what was to become an even match up in the environs of Sherwood Forest and both sides looked for opportunities to out maneuver each other. Eventually Robin and crew retired to the confines of the woods for their safety rather than risk a larger engagement. The large cards on the right of the table helped players know when it was time for them to activate their forces based upon the card system used in “Fistful of Lead.”
The “1775” game ended in a British victory, but was a win for all the participants as the game let the students get a chance at an “extra credit” opportunity while having some fun as well.
The Cahokia Farmstead game came out to a victory for the British, with all the Setters either eliminated or down. It was however a very costly one that would have likely led to a retreat by the Native Americans. We did not play the motivation rules or take morale checks in order to simplify the game for players completely unfamiliar with table top miniatures gaming. This also allowed us to clearly illustrate as to why the Native Americans rarely if ever attacked a defended fixed position.
We would like to extend a Sincere Thank You to all the Student Participants for the opportunity to share our historical hobby with them and we hope that they were all able to benefit from evening both learning something about our history and having a little fun along the way. A big Thank You to Mark Williams for inviting us to come to his classroom and his Wife for some great pizza. We look forward to returning next semester with some new games and challenges for the Students.
If you have or know of a person or institution that would interested or like to host a “History Through A Different Lens” event we encourage you to contact us at info@bmhga..com