News Release

Updated Civil War Encampment Schedule of Events

Date: March 22, 2018
Contact: Becky Latanich, 505-757-7241

Pecos, NM:  The annual Civil War Encampment at Pecos National Historical Park will take place Saturday, March 24^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 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, take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon, 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 dolls, paint quilt squares, and play historical games.

In honor of the 156th anniversary of the Battle of Glorieta Pass, the Friends of Pecos National Historical Park will also discuss their ongoing efforts to commemorate the contingent of New Mexico volunteers who fought alongside Union regulars and Colorado volunteers in this decisive battle. 

Pecos Historical National Park’s non-profit education partner, Western National Parks Association, will be offering a collection of new Battle of Glorieta Pass collectibles that feature artwork by park volunteer Patrick Christman. There will also be a variety of items for junior rangers including new "Professor Noggins" games, backpacks, and bug viewers!  WNPA Memberships, which confer a 15% discount on all purchases at any of the 71 Western National Park Stores, will be available for purchase.  

Please note, all events will take place at Pecos National Historical Park on the grounds of the Forked Lightning Ranch.  Detailed driving directions below.
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. – 3:00 p.m.
Stop by the arts and crafts tent to try your hand at decorating a corn husk doll, painting quilt squares or testing your skill with Civil War era games. 
 
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Travel back in time as you enjoy a free horse-drawn wagon ride around the grounds of the historic Forked Lightning Ranch.  The horse rides are a popular attraction, so be sure to arrive early!
 
Commemoration of the New Mexico Volunteers
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
The Friends of Pecos National Historical Park will present a brief overview of the contributions of the New Mexico Volunteers during the Battle of Glorieta Pass and the ongoing role of the Friends Group has in securing a new monument honoring their participation in the war effort.
 


 
Lecture: “Civil War Era Medicine”
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 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.
 
Reception
12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.
Join the Friends of Pecos National Historical Park for light refreshments.
 
Lecture: “Civil War in the Southwest”
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Civil War historian Dr. Alwyn Barr presents an overview of the 1862 New Mexico campaign and the conflicts along the Texas coast and lower Rio Grande border with Mexico.  Dr. Barr is an American historian who specializes in African American studies, the American South, the American Civil War, and Reconstruction.   He is a professor emeritus and former chairman of the history department at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
 
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.
 
All events are free and open to the public.  Please be sure to check in at the information tent upon arrival to confirm event locations and times.  
 
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 onFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/PecosNHPnps or follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pecos_nps).
To reach the grounds of the Civil War Encampment: From I-25 N: Take the Pecos/Glorieta Exit, #299. Left onto overpass, right onto Route 50; proceed on Route 50 for eight miles. At the village of Pecos, take a right at the four-way stop onto Route 63. In 2.6 miles, the entrance to the encampment field will be on your left. Follow the dirt road east for 0.6 miles to the parking area.  From I-25 S: Take the Rowe Exit, #307. Follow signs. From Highway 63, follow the road for 3 miles.  The entrance to the encampment grounds will be on your right. Follow the dirt road east for 0.6 miles to the parking area.