History Abounds as Historic Site Hosts Annual Civil War Encampment

Submitted by the Fort Scott National Historic Site, April 7

Fort Scott National Historic Site commemorates the Civil War and how it shaped our country by presenting the 34th Annual Civil War Encampment on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17.

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Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the times—soldiers marching or on horse, rifles firing and gunpowder hanging in the air.  A variety of interpretive programs will illustrate the role Fort Scott played as a major supply base for federal troops during this pivotal conflict.

The public is invited to participate beginning Saturday morning at 9 a.m., and concluding with the last program at 3 p.m. on Sunday as park volunteers engage in various activities.  Union cavalry, infantry and artillery units will perform military training representing how troops were prepared for battle.  Members of the Ladies Union Aid Society will focus on the vital role civilians played in supporting the military.

On Saturday at 1 p.m., come learn about Victorian clothing with “Dawn to Dusk Fashion Show.”  At 6:30 p.m., you are invited guests to a 1916 Civil War Veterans Reunion. This program is a National Park Service Centennial activity highlighting 100 years of the National Park Service.  On Sunday at 10 a.m., come join in a period church service. Learn about the logistics of feeding soldiers with “Rolling in the Dough” Bake-house Demonstration at 11 a.m.   Cavalry, infantry and artillery demonstrations will continue in the afternoon.

The Civil War Encampment is made possible through the generous support provided by volunteer members of the Holmes Brigade, 4th Missouri Cavalry, Ladies Union Aid Society, Western Bluecoats Field Hospital, 3rd Kansas Artillery Battery B, Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc., and a host of Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers.

The schedule of activities is as follows:

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

9:00 a.m. – Raising the Colors

10:00 a.m. – Cavalry Drill

11:00 a.m. – Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration

1:00 p.m. – “Dawn to Dusk Fashion Show”

2:00 p.m. – Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration

3:00 p.m. – Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration

4:00 p.m. – Flag Retreat

6:30 p.m. – “The Last Full Measure of Devotion” – Reunion of CW veterans

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

9:00 a.m. – Raising the Colors

10:00 a.m. – Church Service

11:00 a.m. – “Rolling in the Dough” -Bake House Demonstration

12:00 noon – Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration

1:00 p.m. – Cavalry Drill

2:00 p.m. – Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration

3:00 p.m. – Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration

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