Bridgeton to host inaugural Civil War Days

Attendees will be able to take a step back in history and meet Union soldiers during Civil War Days this weekend in Bridgeton.

Courtesy photo

BRIDGETON — A small town already steeped in history will add to the experience this weekend as Bridgeton offers a trip back in time to the days of the Civil War on Aug. 27 and 28.

Visitors can interact with the soldiers and civilians of the Civil War and experience life from 1861-65. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday.

Visitors can walk through a day during the Civil War in the authentic camps and see a skirmish at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Indiana 49th Company F will be having drills Saturday morning and afternoon.

A Union field hospital will have an army surgeon and his nurse at work saving casualties. President Abraham Lincoln will also tour the camp on Sunday. Meanwhile, Bill Robison will be on the 1822 cabin porch with live period dulcimer music.

There will also be plenty of learning opportunities for the kids about this pivotal time in American history.

Hearth cooking and other pioneer demonstrations will take place at the log cabin, while the 1878 house, Liberty Tree Shop and old barn will have for crafts and antiques.

Vendors will have their wares in the 1878 barn, Collom’s Store and the artisan’s barn at the mill, while lunch will be served at Collom’s restaurant. The mill will also highlight its new bakery shop and organic stone-ground products. Revelers can also take a stroll through the Bridgeton Covered Bridge.

There are no admission charges to any of these events with free parking.

For further information, call 765-548-0114 or email bton1878hse@aol.com.