Civil War Living History Day in Parker CO

Civil War Living History Day an annual Parker Event

Presented by the Parker Area Historical Society and The Castle Rock Civil War Unit

Civil War Cannon Parker Living History Day

150 years ago, muskets fired at Bull Run and cannons echoed at Fort Sumter. The “War Between the States” had begun and would last five years. Colorado would not receive statehood until ten years after the Civil War had ended, but the Confederacy had plans to conquer Colorado Territory for strategy and to finance the war with the newly discovered gold fields.

A group of Colorado volunteers and Union regulars ceased their plans with a victory at the Battle of Glorieta Pass in New Mexico.

On Saturday, September 24, 2011, echoes of the past will come to life in Parker, Colorado.

Cannons will boom, horses will thunder into battle and muskets will crack. Learn more about Colorado’s role during the Civil War and engage in a hands-on day of learning.

In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, Parker Area Historical Society (PAHS) and the Castle Rock Civil War Unit present a Civil War Living History Day. This will be the largest and most comprehensive display of Civil War re-enactors in Colorado this year. Re-enactors from Canyon City, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins will be featured.

The highlight of the day will be a live action skirmish between the Blue and the Grey. It will feature a battle re-enactment simulating the sounds and actions of a Civil War skirmish. It will involve infantry, cavalry and artillery. The skirmish will take place at 1:00pm and last for approximately 45 minutes.

The day will also feature a series of presentations and demonstrations. Demonstrations will include: artillery, infantry, cavalry, women’s roles during the Civil War, and military music. A new addition this year is an impression of Clara Barton by the American Red Cross.

Demonstrations will feature the firing of cannons, cavalry horsemanship and the drilling of troops. There will also be a presentation on the Civil War in general and feature information on the Battle at Glorieta Pass. Drummers, buglers and fife (flute) players will showcase military music and its role of communication and troop discipline during the war.

Demonstrations are scheduled for 10:00am and 3:00 pm.

Visitors can walk down the company street and talk with soldiers while they prepare for action. This is your chance to witness first-hand what it was like in an actual Civil War camp and ask questions of the soldiers. Don’t miss the chance to visit with President Abe Lincoln as he mingles with the troops.

There will also be period-appropriate treats free of charge. PAHS will offer handmade samples of Johnnie Bread; Hard Tack; Applesauce Cookies and Sarsaparilla.

This is the second year PAHS has worked with the Castle Rock Civil War Unit to present this living history day dedicated to the Civil War.All festivities will take place at the big field south of Parker. The entrance to the field is located one half mile south of the Walgreen’s at South Parker Road and Stroh Road. The entrance is on the west side of Parker Road and will be marked by a vintage Conestoga wagon.

For further details or questions regarding the event contact either Mike Mulligan of PAHS at 303-805-7956, MEM4439@q.com, or Tim Brown of the Castle Rock Civil War Unit at 303-310- 2822, rancho.poco.1@gmail.com.

Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Battle re-enactment a 1:00pm.

Demonstrations at 10:00am and 3:00pm.

Additional Information: Parker Area Historical Society

The Parker Area Historical Society (PAHS) is a nonprofit organization established in 1986 to research, record, and preserve historic events and sites in the Parker area and to display publicly its findings, historical artifacts and literature. PAHS is located in the Main Street Center, (19650 Main Street, Parker CO 80138) featuring display in the Historic Parker School classroom and is open to the public on Saturdays from 10am-12 pm.

Source: Press Release