News Release

2019 Civil War Encampment –Schedule of Events

Volunteers lined up for the Civil War Encampment

NPS Photo/Patrick Christman 2018

News Release Date: February 28, 2019

Contact: Visitor Center, 505-757-7241

Pecos, NM:  The annual Civil War Encampment at Pecos National Historical Park will take place Saturday, March 23^rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will bring to life the experience of the Civil War in New Mexico. Interact with living history participants, see black powder demonstrations, and hear speakers share their expertise on life during the Civil War in the West. Children of all ages can make their own corn husk toys, play historical games, and meet raptors from the New Mexico Wildlife Center.
Western National Parks Association, the park’s non-profit educational partner, will be selling Battle of Glorieta Pass collectibles including postcards, magnets, collectibles t-shirts and a brand new challenge coin commemorating the battle.
Schedule of Events:
           
Black Powder Demonstration
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
See, hear and experience the power of black powder weapons like rifles, cannon and muskets.
 
Kids’ activities
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Stop by the kids’ tent to try your hand at decorating corn husk birds and dragonflies, or burn off some energy playing popular Civil War era games like trap ball and quoits.
 
Lecture: The Civil War in the New Mexico Territory
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
In the winter of 1862, a small army of Confederates under the leadership of a charismatic brigadier general invaded New Mexico with grand visions of establishing a Western Confederacy. The Confederates were opposed by a Union army composed of volunteers, militia, and some regulars. Civil War Historian John Taylor will explore the story of that invasion, the major battles at Valverde and Glorieta Pass, and the consequences, some of which lasted well beyond the actual fighting in 1862.
 
Live Raptor Presentation
12:00 p.m. -12:45 p.m.
Join the New Mexico Wildlife Center for a live raptor presentation. Learn more about the vital role that hawks and owls play in this rugged environment, the challenges each species faces, and what we can do to help preserve this unique landscape and the creatures that call it home.
 
Lecture: Forlorn Hope
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
The surrender of Vicksburg, Mississippi to Union forces under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant in July of 1863, was the culmination of one of the most significant campaigns of the Civil War. More Medals of Honor were awarded for actions that ultimately led to Vicksburg's defeat than for any other military engagement in United States history. Kim Hyatt will share the eyewitness account of his ancestor's part in a daring, but doomed assault that was ordered by General Grant in an effort to avoid a prolonged siege of the city.
 
Black Powder Demonstration
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
See, hear and experience the power of black powder weapons like rifles, cannon and muskets.
 
Lecture: Civil War Era Medicine
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Discover more about Civil War era medicine with Dr. Bob Mallin. A Vietnam veteran, historian, and surgeon, Dr. Mallin offers a rare opportunity to see and learn more about the medical and surgical instruments that were used to treat battle wounds in the field.
 
All events are free and open to the public. Civil War Encampment will take place at the park, though the final location will be determined after park staff evaluates weather and encampment field conditions later in March. Please be sure to check in at the information tent upon arrival to confirm event locations and times. Many thanks to park partners including the Friends of Pecos National Historical Park, Western National Parks Association, the Artillery Company of New Mexico, and the 3^rd NM Volunteers Living History Unit from Fort Union National Monument for their invaluable help with this event.
 
For more information about the park in general, contact Pecos NHP at [phone] or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (santafe.org). Please like on us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).