News Release

Civil War Baseball

Pvt. Frakes forgot he could have thrown the ball at Robert Caldwell.

NPS

News Release Date: June 22, 2018

Contact: Alyssa Hollond, 434-352-8987 Ext. 234

June 22, 2018
Contact: Alyssa Holland
Release Date: Immediate Phone No: 434-352-8987 Ext. 234

Play a Game of Civil War Base Ball in the Park!

Appomattox, Va. - Appomattox, Va. – The staff of Appomattox Court House NHP invites you to join us for a day of base ball (spelled with two words at the time) at your local National Park Site featuring the Union Provost Guard versus the Townsfolk on Saturday, July 14th. All visitors are welcome to join costumed interpreters to play a game of base ball by the rules of this favorite past time during the American Civil War. Weather permitting, games will be held at 10AM and 1 PM respectively and are held for 1 – 1.5 hours.

The local rules include that the batter is out if a hit ball is caught on one bounce, and also by soaking (hitting the runner with the ball between bases). You will see that the ball is much softer than it is today. There is no need to bring a mitt, as they were not used, but the Park will provide period correct bats and balls. Soldiers from both the North and the South – and even prisoners – enjoyed escaping from the tedium of war by playing America’s favorite pastime.

Also the Appomattox 1865 Foundation, the Park’s Friends group, will be at the site sponsoring a 19th century blacksmith and giving out lemonade from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We invite you to come out and play ball! If base ball is not your thing, stop by to observe the games and learn more about the Friends Group and their outstanding work to support your park. For questions, please contact Alyssa Holland at 434-352-8987 x 234.

Heritage Day flyer

Appomattox 1865 Foundation

The Appomattox 1865 Foundation, the Park’s Friends group, will be at the site sponsoring geneology exhibit, a 19th century blacksmith and providing lemonade from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.