Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Civil War Experience Planned

Old Washington Historic State Park holds its ninth Civil War Experience beginning Friday, Nov. 5, and continuing through Sunday morning, Nov. 7.

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; 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 a lady riding side-saddle, visit the 19th century print museum and talk with the reenactors that will be there.

Reservations are required and the cost is $5 per student with teachers and bus drivers admitted free of charge.

Saturday morning a skirmish will be held at the part at 9:00. Ladies and children activities will be ongoing from 10:00 to 2:00, while visitors to the park are able to visit the soldiers in camp to learn about life as it was during the 1860s.

Sunday's activities conclude with a 19th century church service at the Washington Methodist Church at 9:00 a.m. The Mercantile, the park's gift shop that specializes in period crafts and wares will open all three days from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

There is no charge for visitors visiting the camps during Civil War Experience.'

Tour tickets for touring the historic homes may be purchased at the visitor information center.