Fairfax Civil War Day Set for May 7
FAIRFAX, Va. — Experience American Civil War camp life and weapon-firing demonstrations during Fairfax Civil War Day to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7 at the Historic Blenheim Estate, 3610 Old Lee Highway. The event kicks off the city’s year-long program of activities commemorating the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.
Fairfax Civil War Day features re-enactors and activities, including all-day demonstrations on blacksmithing with an 1862 traveling forge, railroads, and soldier research. Special guests will portray historical figures General Robert E. Lee, Colonel John S. Mosby, photographer Matthew Brady and a “Yankee Schoolmarm.”
Scheduled events include talks on a variety of Civil War-related topics — slave life, the telegraph, soldiers’ graves, special presentations on Lee’s resignation and the Skirmish at Fairfax — in the award-winning Civil War Interpretive Center. The center will feature guided tours of its gallery, including exhibits on secession and the Blenheim house attic graffiti.
Other activities include firing demonstrations of a Howitzer cannon artillery gun as well as youth activities, such as a “boot camp” for kids, scavenger hunt and more. Enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy wagon rides through soldier camps, period music by Home Front and dancing with the Victorian Dance Society.
The Blenheim house, built circa 1859, is nationally renown for the Civil War soldier inscriptions left on house walls. The City of Fairfax purchased the Blenheim house and the surrounding 12 acres of land in 1999, and the house currently is under restoration.
Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child age 12 and younger. Proceeds benefit the restoration and maintenance of the Historic Blenheim Estate. Free parking and shuttle service are provided at Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run.
This event is produced by the City of Fairfax; Historic Fairfax City Inc.; and the 17th Virginia Infantry, Company D “Fairfax Rifles.” For information — including directions, parking, and a complete event schedule, plus a list of the city’s sesquicentennial events — visit www.fairfaxva.gov or call 703-591-0560.
Fairfax Civil War Day features re-enactors and activities, including all-day demonstrations on blacksmithing with an 1862 traveling forge, railroads, and soldier research. Special guests will portray historical figures General Robert E. Lee, Colonel John S. Mosby, photographer Matthew Brady and a “Yankee Schoolmarm.”
Scheduled events include talks on a variety of Civil War-related topics — slave life, the telegraph, soldiers’ graves, special presentations on Lee’s resignation and the Skirmish at Fairfax — in the award-winning Civil War Interpretive Center. The center will feature guided tours of its gallery, including exhibits on secession and the Blenheim house attic graffiti.
Other activities include firing demonstrations of a Howitzer cannon artillery gun as well as youth activities, such as a “boot camp” for kids, scavenger hunt and more. Enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy wagon rides through soldier camps, period music by Home Front and dancing with the Victorian Dance Society.
The Blenheim house, built circa 1859, is nationally renown for the Civil War soldier inscriptions left on house walls. The City of Fairfax purchased the Blenheim house and the surrounding 12 acres of land in 1999, and the house currently is under restoration.
Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child age 12 and younger. Proceeds benefit the restoration and maintenance of the Historic Blenheim Estate. Free parking and shuttle service are provided at Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run.
This event is produced by the City of Fairfax; Historic Fairfax City Inc.; and the 17th Virginia Infantry, Company D “Fairfax Rifles.” For information — including directions, parking, and a complete event schedule, plus a list of the city’s sesquicentennial events — visit www.fairfaxva.gov or call 703-591-0560.
posted by Chuck Demastus at
12:22 AM
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