Dispatches of The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis
Volume 8 Issue #03 (March 2026)
Did you miss recent Big Muddy events or want to check on some of the games played?
After Action Reports
Our After Action Reports are now being posted on our website:
WWW.BMHGA.COM
Check there for some great photos of the games you played in and the ones you might have missed.
We are now on Reddit at r/BigMuddyHGA
Editorial
By Kevin Fitzpatrick
Appreciating What We Have…
Recently, I was going through my usual routine of posting a post-game report from our weekly Semi Regular Retirees gathering. This particular session, held at Miniature Market Cave Springs, featured a run-through of “One Hour WWII”by Worthington Games, with Mark Williams serving as GM. It was a good game—true to its title—quick to play, engaging, and one that will not only rotate nicely into our regular lineup but also serve our History Through A Different Lens Initiative very well. A definite win-win.
As I normally do, I included the game title, date, and location in the post. I was in a bit of a hurry—copying and pasting as fast as I could to get it uploaded to our social media platforms, including Facebook and Reddit. The Reddit post, shared both in our group and in the broader Wargaming SubReddit, was titled:
“Semi Regular Retirees Game 02/05/26 One Hour WWII and 1862 War in Virginia.”
What happened next was unexpected.
The responses and views took off like a rocket.
We began receiving comments from gamers across the country—many expressing genuine envy of our quiet little Thursday game days. Some asked how the group came into being and how we organize it. Others said they hoped to build something similar when they retire. Within just a few days, the post had surpassed 11,000 views and accumulated over 250 upvotes. For comparison, most of our posts typically draw fewer than 1,000 views.
The broader Reddit wargaming community was impressed—and we have every reason to be proud.
This experience reinforced two important conclusions:
- We are clearly doing something right with our Thursday games.
- We should truly appreciate what we have built together.
What feels routine to us—a relaxed weekly meetup, good games, good company, and shared enthusiasm—turns out to be something many gamers long for but do not have. The numbers don’t just reflect online engagement; they highlight that we have created something meaningful.
We have something special here.
Let’s not take it for granted.
See you at the game tables,
Kevin
Game Day West
Saturday, March 7⋅10:00am – 4:00pm
Monthly on the first Saturday
Miniature Market – Rock Hill
9755 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119, USA
Table One: Heavy Metal and Old School WW2 armor hits the table again, as 20mm vehicles and figs fight it out across an Eastern Front battlefield. Join your host Dave Schaffner, in this action of the Greatest Tank Battles, for some great-looking legacy gamin’.
Table Two: Rattle & Rend 10mm Fantasy Miniatures Skirmish Join us for a playlets of this new fantasy skirmish gaming system Will Phillips Game Master
Table Three: It’s March and that means Spring is around the corner. It also means celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. What better way to get into all things Irish than to take a dive into some Irish History using our Enhanced version of “Brian Boru High King of Ireland” by Osprey Games. Journey back to the year 1000 and compete against the other players to unify the island, while dealing with vikings, the church, arranged marriages and each other. Part of Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis’ History Through Another Lens Initiative. Kevin Fitzpatrick Game Master
Table Four: Mega Empires Part II by Area Games Lead and develop a civilization over 8000 years of history, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Middle East, in this epic game for 5 to 9 players, a must-have for strategy and history game fans. Jim Long Ares Game USRepresentative Game Master
March Game Day East
Sunday, March 15, 2026
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Monthly on the third Sunday
Impact Gaming Center
49 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Dennis Hill: Speed Circuit – F1 Racing
Start your engines and prepare for high-octane competition in Speed Circuit – F1 Racing! Designed for players who love tactical decision-making and wheel-to-wheel drama, this fast-paced tabletop racing game captures the excitement, tension, and split-second strategy of Formula One.
Players take control of elite racing teams, balancing speed, tire wear, cornering precision, and daring overtakes as they push their cars to the limit. Every turn presents critical choices — brake hard and play it safe, or take the racing line at full throttle and risk disaster?
With streamlined mechanics that keep the action moving and meaningful player interaction throughout, Speed Circuit delivers the thrill of race day without the wait. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or new to racing games, you’ll feel the adrenaline as you chase the checkered flag.
Dave Murvihill: Kaiju City
The city trembles… sirens blare… something massive is coming.
In Kaiju City, players unleash colossal monsters upon a terrified metropolis in a cinematic clash of destruction and survival. Inspired by classic giant-monster films, this action-packed game puts you in control of towering creatures battling rival kaiju, military forces, and the urban landscape itself.
Will you smash skyscrapers to gain advantage? Rampage through downtown to absorb energy? Or focus your fury on eliminating your monstrous rivals? Every decision shapes the battlefield as buildings crumble and chaos spreads.
Featuring big personalities, dramatic confrontations, and over-the-top spectacle, Kaiju City is perfect for players who enjoy explosive action, cinematic moments, and a little gleeful destruction. Bring your inner monster — and leave the city in ruins.
Buy Local!
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance Name Tags
We have received the test run of our new group name badges and they look very good. Those interested in ordering one contact info@bmhga.com You can estimate the price to be around $15.00 each. If we get a discount on the order it will be passed along.
Gamer’s Garage Sale is back at Game Nite on March 14!
Score rare finds, unbeatable deals, and hard-to-find gear from local sellers and collectors. Whether you’re into board games, card games, RPG or miniatures,
When: March 14
Where: Game Nite — 8380 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63119. Contact: 314‑270‑8440 • info@gameniteshop.com.
gameniteshop.com
What to expect:
- Vendors with discounted games, accessories, and collectibles
Don’t miss it — come hunt for your next great score at
Details may be found by contacting Game Nite:
314-270-8440 or info@gameniteshop.com
War of 1812 in the West Symposium Returns to the Historic Bissell House
Early American history will come alive this spring as historians, researchers, and history enthusiasts gather for the 35th Annual “War of 1812 in the West” Symposium, taking place March 14–15, 2026 at the historic General Daniel Bissell House in north St. Louis County. Best of all, this two-day event is free and open to the public.
Hosted by St. Louis County Parks and Recreation and the 1st United States Infantry Regiment, the symposium explores how the War of 1812 unfolded along the western frontier and how the conflict shaped the early development of the Mississippi Valley and the future state of Missouri.
The setting itself adds a unique dimension to the event. The symposium takes place at the preserved home of General Daniel Bissell, a veteran of the War of 1812 whose house served as a strategic location during the era. Holding the program at this historic site allows visitors to explore the history of the war in the very landscape where the young nation defended its frontier.
Over the course of two days, attendees will hear from nine respected historians and researchers presenting a wide range of topics that highlight the military, cultural, and social dimensions of the conflict. Subjects will include period music, military logistics and feeding armies, fort construction and rebuilding, frontier transportation routes, Native American participation in the war, and key battles fought across the western theater.
Featured Presentations
Saturday, March 14
9:00 AM – Exploring Tennessee’s Extant War of 1812 Uniforms – Myers Brown
10:00 AM – All Painted Red with Vermillion: The Potawatomi in the War of 1812 – Paul Rosewitz
11:00 AM – Lucas Battery – Doug Harding
1:00 PM – The Battles of Fort Madison – David Bennett
2:00 PM – The Battle of New Orleans – Richard Barbuto
3:00 PM – The Battle of Lyon’s Creeks – Tom Hoff
Sunday, March 15
9:00 AM – The Boonslick Road During the War of 1812 – Michael Harris
10:00 AM – Paperwork of the U.S. Army, 1808–1815 – David Bennett
11:00 AM – The Left Handed War and the Right of the Mississippi – Mike Symanski
Beyond the presentations, visitors can expect an engaging atmosphere that encourages conversation and learning. Previous symposiums have included demonstrations of period equipment and discussions about frontier life for soldiers and civilians alike. The informal setting provides opportunities to ask questions, meet fellow history enthusiasts, and connect with scholars researching this important period.
Often overshadowed by the American Revolution and the Civil War, the War of 1812 played a crucial role in shaping North America’s borders and identities. On the western frontier, the war influenced relations between Native nations, American settlers, and British forces while helping define the future of the Mississippi Valley.
For residents of the St. Louis region, the symposium offers a chance to explore how international conflicts between empires affected the communities and landscapes close to home.
The War of 1812 in the West Symposium runs Saturday and Sunday, March 14–15, 2026, at the General Daniel Bissell House, 10225 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis, Missouri. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
For additional information, contact KPlunkett@stlouiscountymo.gov.
Barracks Battles @ DieCon 2026
Are you running a game at Barracks Battles@DieCon? It’s time to get it in and scheduled ! Email info@bmhga.com with the title, number of players and description. Slots are filling up!
Discord
Plans are underway to launch a BMHGA Discord server in early 2026.
More details will be shared as they become available.
Board Elections 2026
Four-Year Terms
- Vice President – James Kantor (Incumbent)
- Treasurer – Bill Doelling (Incumbent)
Two-Year Term
- Member at Large / Director – Kevin Fitzpatrick (Incumbent)
Members in good standing interested in serving are encouraged to submit their name to
Director@bmhga.com
Game Masters
If you are considering running a game, please submit details to
info@bmhga.com
AWI 250 Project
A challenge to our GMs to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American War of Independence by chronicling battles year by year. Skirmishes, raids, naval actions, and large engagements from all regions are welcome.
Weekly Gaming E-Update
To receive the weekly gaming update email info@bmhga.com.
Central Illinois TableTop Warriors
A long-standing group meeting in Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington, and Champaign, IL. Their events are included in the calendar below.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/435910586619700
2026 Gaming Calendar
March 2026
03/03: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
03/04: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
03/05: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
03/07: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am
03/10: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
03/11: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
03/12: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
03/14: Gamer’s Garage Sale – Game Nite – 10am
03/15: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm
03/17: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
03/18: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
03/19: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
03/24: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
03/26: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
03/26: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
03/30: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
03/31: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
April 2026
04/01: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
04/04: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am
04/07: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
04/08: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
04/09: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
04/14: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
04/15: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
04/16: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
04/19: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm
04/21: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
04/22: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
04/23: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
04/28: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
04/29: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
04/30: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
May 2026
05/02: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am
05/05: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
05/06: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
05/07: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
05/12: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
05/13: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
05/14: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
05/17: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm
05/19: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
05/20: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
05/21: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
05/26: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
05/27: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
05/28: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
For all of the above events listed remember that you do not need to bring along anything to play as all items necessary will be on the table and ready to go.
Book Review
Title: Illinois in the American Revolution
Author: Tom Emery
Review:
Tom Emery’s Illinois in the American Revolution is a focused, well-researched regional account that brings to light a neglected corner of Revolutionary-era history. Rather than retelling the familiar national narrative, Emery zooms in on the Illinois Country—its Native nations, French and British settlers, Spanish influences, and the American frontier actors—showing how the Revolution’s political, economic, and military pressures played out far from New England and Virginia.
Strengths
- Research and sources: Emery draws on a broad range of primary sources (military dispatches, land records, correspondence, and contemporaneous French and Spanish documents) and synthesizes secondary scholarship effectively. The archival grounding gives the book authority and uncovers details rarely seen in general Revolutionary histories.
- Local perspective: The book excels at illustrating local complexities—alliances and rivalries among Native nations, the fluid loyalties of French settlers, the strategic importance of river routes, and the role of irregular militia and partisan leaders. These vignettes humanize the conflict and challenge simple patriotic narratives.
- Clear organization and narrative: Chapters are logically organized around campaigns, diplomacy with Indigenous nations, and settlement patterns. Emery keeps the narrative moving while providing contextual background when necessary.
- Contribution to historiography: By centering the trans-Appalachian theater, the book expands understanding of how the Revolution affected—and was affected by—peripheral regions, helping readers appreciate the war’s continental dimensions.
Overall assessment
Illinois in the American Revolution is a significant, well-documented contribution that fills an important gap in Revolutionary historiography. Emery’s thorough archival work and attention to local complexity deepen our understanding of how the Revolution unfolded beyond the eastern seaboard. Despite some density that may deter casual readers, the book is highly recommended for anyone studying the frontier dimensions of the American Revolution or the early history of Illinois.
Suggestions/Ideas/Articles?
Please feel free to let us know. The contact information is at the end of this newsletter.
To have your event listed please email
Info@bmhga.com
no later than the 20th of the month preceding the event.
While we strive to be as accurate as is possible all events listed are subject to last minute changes, substitutions and/or cancellations.
In Memoriam
Our website page to acknowledge and remember the members of our gaming community who are no longer with us.
If you are aware of any names that should be corrected or added please email info@bmhga.com
After Action Reports
Our After Action Reports are now be posted at our Website: WWW.BMHGA.ComCheck there for some great photos of the games you played in and the ones you might have missed.
We are now on Reddit at r/BigMuddyHGA
Website, Facebook Page & Reddit
Are the places to check for the latest updates & news in our area.
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis (BMHGA) strives to support and build the historical gaming hobby in the St. Louis Metro Area “By demonstration, presentations at conventions, schools. libraries, and other events, where the theme includes military or gaming.
For further information email: info@bmhga.com
