Re-enactors to Make History Come to Life

St. Albans celebrates its Civil War history with a full weekend of authentic displays and presentations during the St Albans Civil War Heritage Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18, 2013.

An authentic  Civil War encampment will again be in Taylor Park, with units portraying both the North and South. See unit maneuvers, camp-life demonstrations, small weapons and artillery firings, battle skirmishes, and cavalry demonstrations.

This year’s third annual event includes some new features, such as recreation of events during Pickett’s Charge and the emotional and moving Confederate surrender at Appomatox. There also will be ceremonies at the graves of Civil War veterans in nearby and historic Greenwood Cemetery where monument restoration has taken place.

This year also marks the inaugural of the St. Albans Raid Half Marathon race organized by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. It begins on Sunday at 9 a.m. in Taylor Park and follows the same route used by Confederate raiders in their escape following the St. Albans Raid of 1864.

Steve Smith, a St. Albans resident and Civil War re-enactor as captain of the 2nd Misissippi Co F. 9th Battalion, has arranged for a larger number of re-enactors this year, including Alexander’s Battery hailing from Plattsburgh, N.Y., which is led by Capt. Scott Wilson. Also coming is the 118th N.Y. led by Capt. Pete Gilbert out of Tupper Lake, N.Y.

These new units will expand the amount of time re-enactors will perform drills on the park.

Among the drills, for the very first time, will be one offering youngsters a chance to enlist as re-enactor cadets. Cadet Corps drills are an opportunity for children to train as Civil War soldiers did. Safe props are used in this program.

St. Albans Historical Museum volunteers and re-enactors again will be on hand to discuss the famous St. Albans Raid of Oct. 19, 1864, as well as plans for the 150th anniversary re-enactment and related events set for Sept. 18-21, 2014.

Learn more about the Civil War period from living-history re-enactors, both military and civilian. Enjoy shopping at adjacent downtown shops and meals at a variety of eateries – all in close proximity. Visit vendors all weekend and the large Northwest Farmers’ Market on the park on Saturday.

The St. Albans Historical Museum, located just steps from the center of the action, will be open all weekend offering an impressive collection of historical artifacts – an interesting and educational opportunity for people of all ages. Take a walking tour of nearly 60 historical sites, including places and buildings that were integral to the Confederate soldiers’ raid on St. Albans and the robbing of its banks.

The Champlain Valley Historical Re-enactors and the St Albans Historical Museum are the organizers of this third annual living-history weekend. The Rotary Club of St. Albans and Peoples Trust Company are the events major sponsors.

Be sure to check out our events page for updates and schedules regarding the August event.