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Civil War Cavalry Reeanactors

With the sounding of the first guns of the Civil War at Fort Sumter, President Lincoln issued a call April 15, 1861, for 90 day volunteers to put down the rebellion. Fort Scott National Historic Site will commemorate the start of the Civil War on Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17. Throughout the weekend, a full range of programs will focus on the role of cavalry on the border and other important Civil War functions in the town of Fort Scott during this pivotal conflict.

Visitors are invited to participate beginning Saturday at 9 a.m. and concluding with the last program Sunday at 3 p.m. Throughout the Civil War, Cavalry served a vital role in the Union war effort. In many cases these mounted soldiers served as escorts for wagons leaving Fort Scott supplying troops fighting in Missouri, Arkansas, and the Indian territory.

Throughout the weekend, witness period drills of the 4th Missouri Cavalry re-enactment group. "The Evolution of U.S. Cavalry: 1833-1865" will cover the transition in uniforms and equipment from the 1833 Dragoon to the U.S. Cavalry soldier at the end of the Civil War. "I Fear This Cot Will Soon Be Empty" will explore the anxiety of a young woman in Fort Scott fearing invasion of Confederates at the time of the 1864 Battle of Mine Creek, one of the largest cavalry engagement of the war. Take a guided tour of what one Union soldier called "Hells Headquarters" and discover the many roles that Fort Scott played during the Civil War.

April 16 – 24 marks the dates for National Park Week and in honor of this event, this week has been designated Fee Free. The public across the nation are encouraged to get out and discover something new about your 394 national parks. Come join us and take part in this fee-free educational weekend. For more information call the site at 620-223-0310.

The following is a schedule of events for the weekend.

Saturday

• 9:00 a.m. -     Flag Raising
• 10:00 a.m. -      "Thunder on the Hooves" – Cavalry Drill
• 11:00 a.m. -      "I Fear This Cot Will Soon Be Empty – Emma Morley"
• 1:00 p.m. –     "The Evolution of U.S. Cavalry: 1833 – 1865"
• 2:00 p.m. -     "Hells Headquarters" – Guided Tour
• 3:00 p.m. -     "Thunder on the Hooves" – Cavalry Drill
• 4:00 p.m. -     Flag Retreat

Sunday

• 11:00 a.m. -      "Thunder on the Hooves" – Cavalry Drill
• 1:00 p.m. -     "The Evolution of U.S. Cavalry: 1833 – 1865"
• 2:00 p.m. -     "I Fear This Cot Will Soon Be Empty – Emma Morley"
• 3:00 p.m. -     "Hells Headquarters" – Guided Tour