Civil War Encampment

May 2, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. camps remain open until dusk
May 3, 2009, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Step back in history and met Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee. Both men will be at the Civil War Encampment during the weekend of May 2 and May 3. This will be a great opportunity to ask these great men your burning questions about the Civil War and their role in it. The Union and Confederate games will be teeming with soldiers and civilians who love what they do and are willing to explain life in the 1860s, what they ate, what they did for entertainment, and much more.

Throughout each day, there will be military drills and cannon demonstrations. In the program tent there will be programs on the “The Impact of the Civil War on Civilians”, “Toys, Games, and Pastimes During the Civil War”, “Women’s Roles During the Civil War”, and “Jedediah Hotchkiss: Mapmaker for Stonewall Jackson.” Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee will present programs in the tent as well.

There will be food available for purchase along with a wide variety of Civil War items and books from the museum’s store.

On Saturday the activities end at 5:00 p.m., but the camps will remain open until dusk. From 8:00-10:00 p.m. a Civil War Ball will take place. Everyone is invited to watch or even take a whirl on the grass dance floor. The ball will be held in the program tent with period music.

This free event is sponsored by the city of Rising Sun, Ohio County/Rising Sun Parks Department, Rising Sun/Ohio County Tourism Bureau, and the Rising Sun Regional Foundation. Following the roar of the cannon to Shiner Park located behind the Ohio County Elementary/Middle School for a lesson in history. There will be plenty to see so bring your camera and curiosity.

The Ohio County Historical Museum (212 S. Walnut Street, Rising Sun, Indiana, 47040) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located along the Ohio River Scenic By-way. Museum hours are 11-4 Monday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 Sunday, and closed Wednesdays. Admission to the museum only is $2.50 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for high school students, and free for members and children 12 and under. For more information about the event or museum please call Bill Dichtl at (812) 438-4915.