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NPS
Contact: Joel Cadoff, (912) 786-5787 X 114 SAVANNAH – Fort Pulaski National Monument will commemorate the Grand Thanksgiving Fete and Festival of 1862 on Saturday, November 29, 2014. The event will recreate the field day offered by the 48th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment to celebrate their first Thanksgiving in Fort Pulaski. The original event, held in 1862, gave the Union garrison of Fort Pulaski a respite from the constant vigilance which they maintained throughout their year-long residence on Cockspur Island. Of the day’s events, one soldier commented, “The day was a memorable one, contrasting as it did so severely with the events which placed us there and continued to disturb the country.” Everyone is encouraged to participate in foot races, sack races, and wheelbarrow races. Amusements of the day will include musical programs and historic weapons demonstrations. The event will also be an opportunity to try on clothing of the Civil War era. There will be clothing for men, women, and children, as well as accessories for the proper period look. 
Olde Towne Brass Music was an important part of the soldier’s life during the American Civil War. Regimental brass bands were the pride of their units and they often provided a morale boost that was badly needed. The 48th New York’s brass band was a popular attraction during the Thanksgiving festival, playing throughout the day. Soldiers said, “The old walls of Fort Pulaski echoed the sounds of mirth till morning.” Music will once again echo this year as Fort Pulaski National Monument welcomes Olde Towne Brass to the festivities. Hailing from Alabama, the members of this brass band will play original Civil War music on actual over-the-shoulder brass horns throughout the day. Fort Pulaski National Monument is the place to be the Saturday after Thanksgiving. There’s no better way to get involved with history along the Georgia coast. There will be music, cannon firings, and games; fun for the entire family. Lose yourself in 1862! Saturday, November 29, 2014 10:00 Special Program – Thanksgiving at Fort Pulaski in 1862 11:00 – 3:00 Audience Participation – Burlesque Dress Parade Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. For more information, please visit the website of Fort Pulaski National Monument at www.nps.gov/fopu or call (912) 786-5787. You can also follow the park on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FortPulaskiNPS or like the official Fort Pulaski National Monument Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS.
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Last updated: April 14, 2015