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Wolcott Mill Historic Center will host a Civil War re-enactment program Oct. 18-19.
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Wolcott Mill Historic Center will host its biggest event of the year Oct. 18-19 as Civil War re-enactors from all over the country gather to offer a glimpse of the past.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 18, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 19, will feature a variety of activities that will give visitors a glimpse into the 1860s.
“People enjoy that aspect of history,” said Bill Thomas, supervising interpreter at the Wolcott Mill Historic Center. “I know a lot of people enjoy the battles.”
This year the annual event will feature a re-enactment of the battle of Shepherdstown on Oct. 19 at 2 p.m., as well as smaller skirmishes. Visitors will get a chance to see and learn about military tactics used during the Civil War.
“A lot of people are interested in military history. That is a big thing.”
The Battle of Shepherdstown took place Sept. 19-20, 1862, right after the Battle of Antietam on Sept. 17, 1862, when Robert Lee began to pull his Army of Northern Virginia back across the Potomac.
Thomas said more information about the Battle of Shepherdstown will be available for spectators as they are informed why certain tactical decisions were made during the fight.
Aside from the military aspect of that time period, visitors will also be able to visit Confederate and Union military camps, as well as civilian follower camps.
“People can learn a lot by talking to the different re-enactors,” said Thomas, adding that most of the re-enactors are very knowledgeable at the Civil War, and the history and culture of the United States in the 1860s.
On Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., visitors to Wolcott Mill will be able to take a lantern tour of the different encampments.
“It is almost like you were there,” said Thomas. “You are focused pretty much on what is happening in front of you. People really seem to enjoy that.”
While the events during the day are free, the cost of the evening lantern tour is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
The weekend event will also include a bit of schooling.
“Sometime during the day we have a period school set up so people can have an idea of what going on in school during the time period,” he said. “They will get a chance to see what it was like.”
Other activities taking place during the weekend include “sutlers” selling goods, including materials and goods for re-enactors. People will also be able to try their hand at making period crafts.
The Metropark’s Mobile Learning Center will also be on hand with a display about the Civil War and Underground Railroad.
“The Civil War has a lot of things wrapped up in it,” said Thomas on why the weekend event is such a popular one. “This is the only time our country was divided like this. Everybody has their own take on that.”
The Wolcott Mill Historic Center is located at 63841 Wolcott Road in Ray Township.
For more information about the Civil War program or reserving a spot for the lantern tour, call the Historic Center at 749-5997.
