Relive the Civil War at annual encampment and battle in Hainesville

Relive history as knowledgeable reenactors, both military and civilian in period costume, recreate an American Civil War Encampment and Battle in a rural setting in Hainesville.

The annual Civil War Encampment & Battle will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. The event is hosted by Northbrook Sports Club off South Hainesville Road. Admission and on-site parking are free.

Event highlights include: a narrated military battle between Union and Confederate uniformed military forces (The Battle of Bentonville on March 19-21, 1865), military and civilian bivouacs and encampments, battlefield surgeries, undertakers and period medical displays. The battle includes infantry, artillery and cavalry with explanations of their use.

Visitors also can participate in the instruction of military drills.

Historical presentations are provided by such figures as Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, General George Meade, Hainesville village founder Elijah Haines, and Thomas Morris Chester (the only black war reporter for a major Civil War daily newspaper, the Philadelphia Press).

A re-enactor of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, also w ill be on hand to mingle with the public and answer historical questions. Vendors of food, soap and wool will also be available.

Though Lincoln and Davis never met in real life, this event will stage a debate between the two reenactors.

Opportunities will exist for visitors to question participants about their knowledge of and their character’s role in that period of the nation’s history. Reenactors are very knowledgeable of that period and their role in it. This event provides a great history lesson and perspective.

There will also be an Historical Challenge for children that will provide a Certificate of Accomplishment suitable for framing for those successfully completing it.

The site can be reached by going south at the intersection of Hainesville Road and Belvidere Road (Route 120) in Hainesville. For event information, visit hainesville.org/civil-war-event/.