More than 200
Civil War reenactors will take over Point Mallard Park Labor Day weekend,
transforming the 500-acre municipal park into a weekend encampment complete
with mock battles. Hosted by the 1st Alabama Cavalry Company G
“Wheelers Escort”, the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment commemorates
the four day battle which took place in October 1864, telling the story of
Decatur’s small, but significant role in the War Between the States. Set for
August 30 and 31, 2014, the annual event is sponsored by the City of Decatur,
Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Morgan County Commission
and Camp 580 Sons of Confederate Veterans Alabama Division.
This year marks
the 150th anniversary of the Battle for Decatur and to honor the
piece of history, the weekend event includes Civil War relic displays and a
Civil War camp with displays of authentic equipment, dress, and drills. Camps
open to the public beginning at 10 a.m. 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.
The public is
invited to a Ladies’ Tea at 10 a.m. and the Military Ball at 7 p.m. on Saturday
and a Church Service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. All events are held at The Chapel in
Point Mallard Park.
Other activities
include drill and firing of mid-19th century muskets mounted cavalry
patrols and a living history of daily camp life where spectators can purchase
Civil War related items and visit with soldiers.
The historical
reenactment represents the historic battle event that took place 150 years ago
on the east side of Decatur near the Old State Bank. 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. During the 1864 battle at Decatur, Confederate General Hood
attempted to break Union supply lines at the crucial railroad crossing at Decatur.
He was not successful and had to cross the river at Florence. Decatur’s
involvement in this campaign and the fierce four-day battle caused General Hood
to refer to the city as “a hard nut to crack.”
Schedule of Events:
BATTLE FOR
DECATUR - Event Schedule
Friday - 29
August 2014
School Day
Demonstrations 10:00 – 11:30
Reception 8:30 pm
at Activity Tent
Saturday
– 30 August 2014
Camps open to public 10:00
to 13:00
Ladies
Tea in the Chapel 10:00 to 11:00
Camps
Closed to public 13:00
Battle
for Decatur 14:00 to 15:00
Camps
re-open to Public 15:00 to 17:00
Re-enactor’s
meal served at the Pepsi wagon at 18:00. ****Meal ticket required****
Period
Ball with Yellow Hammer Stringed Quartet in the activity tent at 19:00
Sunday
– 31 August 2014
Camps open to public 10:00 to
12:00
Church
services in the Chapel at 10:00
Camps
Closed to public 12:00
Battle
for Decatur 14:00 to 15:00
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