What do Leesylvania State Park have in common? We are commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Potomac River Blockade.
Join us on September 24-25th to visit a civil war encampment with costumed living historians to learn about the soldier’s life. There will be cannon firing demonstrations on the hour near shelter number two and musketry firing and drills outside the Visitor Center. On Saturday there will be a recon flight of the Intrepid with Professor Lowe as he spies on Confederate fortifications from his gas balloon.
Come in to the Visitor Center to taste the flavors of the Civil War and learn how women used to prepare meals and look at the sorts of tools they used. Authentic Civil war foods will be available to sample for a fee of two dollars.
There will be a shuttle to take down to the Weems Botts Museum in Dumfries. Two authors on the civil war will be there to discuss their newest released editions – Robert Alton and Robert Brookover will do a discussion of the civil war and readings from their books. A book signing will be available with both gentlemen. Historic Dumfries Virginia, Inc is proud to highlight the lives of free and enslaved African-Americans in the Civil War as part of this living history program. We will have “Jim Thomas, Performer/Speaker, Spirituals, etc.” and Kristel McLaughlin presenting “From Slavery to Freedom.”
On Friday, September 23rd Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the Blockade and of the gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. Before the boat tour join us for a guided walking tour to Freestone Point. Call (703)792-4754 for more information and to make a reservation.
So come and tour the land of the Potomac Blockade, visit our museum and speak with knowledgeable staff about the battle. Performers will be on-hand to showcase how life was during the Civil War era with historic dress, displays, and traditions.
Click here for directions or for more information about the event please call (703)583-6904 or email us at [email protected] .