Highlights Archives
Wade House Civil War Weekend Set in 1862
The din of cannon fire and the crackle of small arms will ring out twice daily throughout the wooded hills of Wade House in Greenbush as the historic site celebrates its 18th annual Civil War Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and will depict critical struggles during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862. Each fall Wade House hosts hundreds of Civil War re-enactors who flock to the site to take part in the annual event, which has grown to become one of the Midwest's premier Civil War re-enactments. And each year the historic site shines a spotlight on a particular theme, year or battle scenario. This year the focus will be on Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's attempts to thwart Union forces in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.
For the second year, the event will feature two narrated full-scale battle scenarios each day, the first at 11 a.m. with a second clash at 2 p.m. As an exciting twist on this year's event, arriving visitors can expect to be greeted by none other than President Abraham Lincoln, who will provide his perspective on the year 1862. After the two daily battles, Lincoln will meet the Union leadership camp and then move to the activity tent where he will be available for autographs and photos.
All day, both days, visitors can stroll within the Confederate and Union camps to meet and mingle with the troops, talk about military life in the midst of the Civil War, and see demonstrations of mustering in, drilling, small arms and artillery fire, and cavalry drills. Visitors can also browse the tents of civilian sutlers — itinerant merchants who shadowed troop movements to hawk their goods and services.
A wide variety of Civil War-related activities and demonstrations continue throughout both days of the event, and the other features of the historic site ranging from the working, water-powered Herrling sawmill to the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum provide a full slate of activities the entire family can enjoy. New this season are opportunities to see a variety show or tableaux, a musical comedy or a melodrama performed by an authentic 1860s theater troupe. Expanded food and drink vendors, in multiple locations, will also be on hand for the event.
Special admission for the event is $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-17, $10 for students and senior citizens, or $30 for a family ticket. For more information call Wade House at 920-526-3271 or visit our visitor information pages.
:: Posted September 22, 2008
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