On Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 Civil War reenactors will converge on Conner Prairie’s grounds to portray a battle reenactment demonstrating military tactics of the Civil War period.

“The Civil War was a defining time in American history. Issues such as slavery and states rights vs. federal rights literally ripped the union apart. Hundreds of thousands of men on both sides went to war to defend what they believed in,” said Jim Willaert, Experience Manager for Conner Prairie. “The Civil War reenactment will allow Conner Prairie an opportunity to help our guests explore an important period of Indiana history. Even though little fighting occurred in Indiana (primarily Morgan's Raid), Hoosiers were deeply involved. Indiana is generally regarded by historians as ranking second among Northern states in percentage of military age men who served in the armed forces.”

Conner Prairie guests will have the rare opportunity to go back in time to the 1860’s and witness a Civil War battle reenactment complete with cavalry units, talk with a soldier, enlist in the Army or visit an infantry camp. Confederate and Union reenactors from around the region will hold artillery demonstrations, infantry drills and battles on both Saturday and Sunday.

“By participating in Civil War reenactments, I am reminded of the citizen soldiers and sailors who made the sacrifices that insured the freedoms we have today,” said Stan Hurt Conner Prairie Board Member and Civil War reenactor. “We reenactors, have a responsibility to portray the Civil War soldiers and sailors as accurately as possible in order to give modern day audiences an idea of how they lived and what they endured.”

Other program highlights throughout the Civil War weekend include two performances a day by Saxton’s Cornet Band, an eight piece military band. Fritz Klein, from the Lincoln Institute for Education,  will portray Abraham Lincoln and give two public addresses each day. Sutlers (vendors) will be on hand selling reproduction Civil War military reproduction uniforms and period related items such as music, books and items for children. Khabir Shareef of Storytellers Drum will present a first person program as Private George Washington of the 28th United States Colored Troops each day. Battle reenactments, infantry drills and demonstrations, and artillery and cavalry demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend.

Guests are encouraged to visit the military camps and interact with the Civil War period soldiers. Beware, uniformed soldiers are out and about trying to get new Union and Confederate recruits. Guests could find themselves lining up and marching with the soldiers! Conner Prairie offers a military discount - admission is free for military personnel and 50% off for immediate family.

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