Weapons and equipment from 2000 years of military history will be among the many items of interest. Visitors will begin their adventure at the head of the line of camps where Roman soldiers, with their red shields and leather tents, will exhibit weapons and help you understand how the first professional army was organized. European troops from Jacobite Rebellion and the 30 Years War will demonstrate how weapons and tactics changed and influenced immigration to the Americas. Exhibits will also show the history of the United States military from the Revolution to modern day. Drill and small arms firing demonstrations will be conducted at the camp area on both days. Sunday there will be Civil War artillery firing demonstrations in the afternoon.

Universal Soldier began in October, 1999 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the completion of Fort Washington. Since that time the program has grown to encompass 11 different time periods and over 75 volunteers.

A thousand years ago the Roman Army ruled the world. Their military system began about 100 BC and included systematic training in military skills, established strict rules of conduct and discipline, and organized levels of command. They maintained superiority in all aspects of warfare for over 400 years and set the standards for many of our modern military customs. The XX Lego (20th Legion) was formed in 31 BC and served the Roman Empire for over 300 years.

Europe’s Thirty Years War (1618-1648) influenced the German migration to America. The army living off the land and roaming bands of out of work mercenaries devastated the countryside. The first wave of German immigration came about when citizens were offered passage to America and land in the New World. Today’s exhibit is a company of mercenary musketeers serving the Imperial forces under General Albrecht von Wallenstein during the first part of the war. The Regimental Provost, Die Schwarzen Baren (The Black Bear) was the military police of the day.

The European countryside was often interrupted by military ventures and family feuds that turned into wars. When King James VII was forced from his throne by his son-in-law William of Orange the Scots supported James and his heir James VIII. Often called Jacobites (after Jacobus the Latin for James), the Stewarts of Appin formed a regiment to support the king. The Appin Historical Society represents the Stewart highlanders who followed Bonnie Prince Charles in his fight to regain the Scottish and English thrones during the last years of the Jacobite Rebellion (1689-1746). By this period in history the musket has become a common weapon on the battlefield.

Brigade Napoleon incorporates several different foot and mounted units during the Napoleonic Wars (1085-1815). These troops represent several nationalities and different types of units from militia to elite light troops.

The American Civil War (1861-1865) during the middle of American’s Industrial Revolution and many new technologies were perfected to change warfare. The new rifled-musket could reach out 1,200 yards so the soldiers learned to dig in. Observation balloons, steam-driven ships, rifles guns and railroad supply lines became common in both armies.

Company D, 1st US Artillery was stationed at Fort Washington during the first year of the Civil War. In 1862 the company was sent to the Dry Tortugas, then to South Carolina and later they participated in the siege of Richmond. Their commander, Joseph A. Haskin became Chief of Artillery for the northern sections of the defenses of Washington and was instrumental in repelling General Early’s raid in 1865.

The 3rd US Infantry Regiment is the Army’s oldest infantry regiment. Company D participated in many battles including Manassas, Gaine's Mill, Malvern Hill, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. The Regiment was sent to New York to help restore order following the draft riots and returned to the Army of the Potomac in September 1863. The regiment was Washington’s city guard from October 1864 to February when it became the Headquarters for the Army of the Potomac.

About 10% of the Union Soldiers were of African descent. After the war ended the 9th & 10th Cavalry was sent to the western frontier, as one historian put it, "to protect the weak, guide the lost and bury the foolish." The 9th & 10th Horse Cavalry Association represents the Buffalo Soldiers; black men who helped tame the American West.

America’s participation in World War II began with the Japanese attack on pearl Harbor in December 1941. The airplane and aircraft carries became common military tools as the war progressed.

The 101st Airborne Infantry was the Army’s shock troops capable of jumping behind enemy lines, capturing bridges or other key terrain and holding it until the main force reached them. They participated in battles from the Normandy jump to the Battle of the Bulge.

United States Marine Corps Machine Gun Crew in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the years of 1944-1945. The Marines have set up a defensive position with a M1917A1 Browning Water-cooled .30 caliber machine gun.