Civil War Reenactment

by Nancy Glasscock staff writer at The Decatur Daily.

A Civil War Reenactment commemorating the four-day October, 1864 battle in Decatur will be held Sept. 3-4 at Point Mallard Park.

The 14th Alabama Cavalry, the 3rd Tennessee Cavalry, and Camp 580 Sons of Confederate Veterans will host the Battle from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The annual event tells the story of Decatur’s small, but significant role in the War Between the States. More than 200 re-enactors representing both northern and southern forces will transform Point Mallard Park into a weekend encampment complete with mock battles.

A Civil War camp featuring displays of authentic equipment, dress and drills is open to the public 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 where spectators are encouraged to visit with soldiers, Civil War relic displays, drill and firing of mid-19th century muskets mounted cavalry patrols and Civil War related items for sale by sutlers. 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.

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. 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.”

Admission is free. For more information on the Battle for Decatur reenactment, call the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-524-6181 or 256-350-2028.