Ste[ back in time at the Civil War weekend at historic Washington State Park

Become a part of the spring of 1864, when the civil war became very personal to the people of southern Arkansas. As the battles of war went from being in the distance to being fought in front yards, people’s attitudes changed. Sacrifices never imagined, were necessary to support the troops. Still valiant efforts were made to maintain normalcy in the daily routine. Vivid reenactments of such days will be presented at Historic Washington State Park’s Civil War Weekend, November 5th and 6th.

Visitors can step back into those early days as over 500 reenactors along with park staff portrays a town in the clutches of battle as civilians and soldiers alike fight for their beliefs and their lives.

Included in Saturday’s afternoon schedule will be a Civil War skirmish and cavalry drill. Opportunities to observe civilian, infantry and cavalry encampments, tavern life, medicine shows and period fashion programs will be available throughout the day.

One of the largest battle reenactments in Southwest Arkansas will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday the 5th and again at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday the 6th as hundreds of reenactors meet on the battlefield of Washington.

Ticket cost for adults is $8 and $4 for children. These costs cover all activities, including the battle reenactment. No parking fee will be charged. Ticket purchases may be made at the 1874 courthouse or the candle shop.

The park will be open each day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to begin their visit at the 1874 courthouse where they will receive a map and a schedule for the day. Williams Tavern Restaurant will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and buffet meals will be offered.

Pre-registration is requested for groups who attend Civil War Day for Schools on November 4th. Among student activities will be such experiences as an artillery demonstration, civil war medicine, period music, ladies fashion and historic games.

Historic Washington State Park, a premier restoration village preserving one of Arkansas’s most prominent 19th-Century towns, is located on US 278 nine miles north of Hope and can be reached by taking Exit 30 off Interstate 30. For more information visit www.HistoricWashingonStatePark.com or call (870) 983-2684.