Civil War encampment, battle return to Hainesville

Posted September 08, 2016 6:00 am

Submitted by Hainesville Trustee George E. Duberstein

Re-enactors portraying Civil War-era civilians watch the Union and Confederate soldiers clash from the shade during last year's Civil War Encampment and Battle in Hainesville. Courtesy of George Duberstein

Infantry, cavalry and artillery, demonstrations and period-dressed civilians and merchants will be featured in a Civil War encampment and battle set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10, 11, in Hainesville.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday on the north end of the Northbrook Sports Club property on the southern extension of Hainesville Road.

In addition to military battles and encampments, medical demonstrations, period music and cricket games will be featured, as well as local area history talks and actors portraying the Lincolns, Jefferson Davis, General Grant and village founder, Elijah Haines.

The event is free, and free parking is available for all nonauthorized vehicles at Prairieview Elementary School on Route 120. A shuttle bus to the event venue will be provided at the parking lot and will be available on-site for return trips. Residents wishing to walk to the venue can go as far as the shuttle pick up point on Hainesville Road where they must use the shuttle to get to the venue for safety reasons.

This marks the second encampment in the village. The first was a small-scale re-enactment in 2014 that replaced Hainesville Fest. The event was held in Union Square Park in the village, and featured a narrated Civil War-era dance that was open to the public, and an 1800s baseball game with vintage costumes featuring local celebrities and residents.

Due to budgetary concerns and other commitments, a festival of any type was skipped in 2015. However, a larger Civil War Encampment and Battle returns this year, organizers said.

The 101-acre Northbrook Sports Club property will allow for more infantry, cavalry and artillery than at the previous event. There will also be more presenters giving in depth talks on aspects of this historical period.

While the event will not include an evening dance or daytime baseball game, there will be an American cricket game - it was popular among the troops at the time - with instructed public participation.

For schedule info and venue map, visit the village website at www.hainesville.org or Facebook at hainesvilleil. For more information, contact Trustee George E. Duberstein, event chairman and coordinator at (224) 715-0889 or trusteegeorgeduberstein@hainesville.org.

Infantry, cavalry and artillery, demonstrations will be featured in a Civil War Encampment and Battle set for Sept. 10-11 in Hainesville. Courtesy of George Duberstein

Actors portray President Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, during a previous Civil War Encampment in Hainesville. Courtesy of George Duberstein

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.