Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Prepares for Wilson's Creek Reenactment - 2011-08-09

The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation will host one of the first major reenactments to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, commemorating the military and cultural history of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, August 12-14. Firm attorney Kent Emison was appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon to serve on the Missouri Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, which plans educational and entertaining events aimed at boosting tourism in the state to commemorate the150^th anniversary of the Civil War. A full schedule for the three-day festival has been announced.

The goal of this sesquicentennial commemoration is to educate and entertain through a variety of activities that will appeal to all generations and interest groups. In addition to the battle reenactments, activities this coming weekend will include family camping, a Sutler area with authentic Civil War goods, an old-time area with games, political stump speeches, period music, and craft demonstrations, and a modern vending area. 

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, a unit of the National Park System, preserves the site of the first major battle of the Civil War in the West. The Confederate victory on August 10, 1861, focused national attention on the war in Missouri, leading to greater federal military action.

The park, which hosts over 200,000 visitors annually, is considered to be one of the three best preserved and most pristine Civil War battlefields in the National Park System. While many come to enjoy the natural setting, growing numbers of guests visit the park for study and research. 

The Sesquicentennial Commission's campaign will culminate with their support the Battle of Lexington reenactment, Sept. 17 in Lexington, Mo.