Held annually over the Labor Day weekend, the Battle for Decatur reenactment commemorates the 4 day battle which took place in October 1864, telling the story of Decatur’s small, but significant role in the War Between the States. Scheduled for September 4-6, 2009, the event features more than 200 reenactors representing both northern and southern forces engaging in mock battles and is hosted by the 13th Alabama Partisan Rangers, the 6th Alabama Cavalry, 4th Alabama Cavalry Co. F, and Camp 580 Sons of Confederate Veterans. The two-day event is held at Point Mallard Park and admission is free.
On Friday, school groups are invited to bring their classrooms outdoors and experience Decatur’s Civil War heritage. On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., the Civil War camp is open to the public with displays of authentic equipment, dress, and drills with maneuvers and battles taking place at 2 p.m. The Union troops will win the day during one battle reenactment while the Confederates will capture the contested ground during the next day’s skirmish.
Other activities include a living history of daily camp life, Civil War relics displays, drill and firing of mid-19th century muskets mounted cavalry patrols and Civil War related items for sale by sutlers along with performances by the 5th Alabama Military Band throughout the day. Everyone is invited to a ladies’ tea at 9:30 a.m. and to the Military Ball at 7 p.m. Both events are held on Saturday at The Chapel in Point Mallard Park. A free, guided tour along Decatur’s Civil War Walking Tour through the Old Decatur Historic District will also be offered on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
The historical reenactment is held in honor of General Joe Wheeler and Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan, who both resided in North Alabama at some point during their military careers. The City of Decatur was an important transportation site for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War due to the Memphis and Charleston’s railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee River. For more information on the Battle for Decatur reenactment, call the Decatur-Morgan County CVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028.
Located along the Tennessee River, Point Mallard Park is a 500-acre family park and includes one of the South‘s best golf courses, a 25-acre, wooded campground, a waterpark, and a year round indoor ice skating rink. Point Mallard's additional facilities include tennis courts, batting cages, hiking/jogging/biking trails, and a driving range.
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