Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Old Washington To Host Annual Civil War Weekend

Old Washington Historic State Park holds is eighth annual Civil War Weekend beginning Friday, October 30 and continuing through Sunday, November 1.

Reenactors from a four state area will converge on this historic museum village which served as the Confederate Capital of Arkansas from 1863-65. Friday is dedicated entirely to school groups as students are able to visit stations that are set up around this one hundred acre park. The candle shop will be open as well as the weapons museum which boasts over 600 weapons from an individual's collection.

The students will have the opportunity to learn a 19th century dance, see one of the Greek Revival homes that will be open, learn about riding side-saddle, and visit with the Cavalry units that will be here. The Mercantile, the park's gift shop that specializes in period crafts and wares will be open all three days from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Saturday is dedicated to the School of the Soldier, where each component will be drilling under their respective commanders. Visitors will be able to visit the infantry, cavalry and artillery camps to learn about life as it is reenacted during the 1860s. Saturday evening a Civil War Supper and Dance will take place in the courtyard of the Abraham Block House. Sunday, visitors may again visit the civilian and military camps until 2 p.m. Tour tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Information Center for touring the historic homes.