CARLISLE BARRACKS, PA (September 26, 2011) - The Fall 2011 living history event on the Army Heritage Trail is all new. Civil War 150: Going to Winter Camp, 1861 recreates both Union and Confederate Army Winter Camps during a three-day event: Friday, Sept. 30-Sunday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. The Army Heritage and Education Center event is free and open to the public. Parking is free. Handicap parking and transportation are available.
This event recognizes the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, which began in April 1861. Event highlights include:
- Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Robert Lee Hodge is among the featured speakers Saturday, Oct. 1. The Civil War battlefield preservationist will speak about, Remembering "The War of the Rebellion."
- Civil War 150 museum exhibit-"A Great Civil War 1861: The Union Dissolved"
- Special exhibitions from the USAHEC collections
- Book sale
- Firing demonstrations, close order drills, and cavalry demonstrations
- A large Sutler's Row
- Construction of a replica "Pine Cottage" cabin
- 19th Century Baseball Demonstration
During the winter of that first year, both the Union and Confederate armies ceased fighting and entered winter camps due to operational conditions. The weather conditions posed communication and supply chain problems which made maneuvering extremely difficult. Because of the decreased activity, the armies were able to set up more permanent log cabin style camps. This down-time allowed armies to relax after months of fighting. It also gave troops an opportunity to train and prepare for the coming months of battle, participate in camp activities, and allowed officers to bring their families to visit and stay in the camps.
For a schedule of events visit: http://www.carlisle.army.mil/
For directions visit: http://www.carlisle.army.mil/directions.htm or call 717-245-3972.
