Save the date!
Dates: September 29-30, 2012
Time: 9 am - 5 pm, rain or shine
Location: Wade House
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Download the event map
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Download the event schedule
Cost
Wade House Admission prices
| Type |
Cost |
| Adults |
$12 |
| Students/Seniors (65 & older) |
$10 |
Children (5-17)
(children under 5 are free) |
$6 |
| Family (up to two adults and two or more dependent children 5-17) |
$32 |
What is Civil War Weekend?
This annual special event brings the history of the American Civil War to life. Held the last weekend in September, Civil War Weekend is two action-filled days of battle re-enactments, military drills, medical care situations, period music and food, demonstrations, and more. The weekend spectacle involves more than 500 re-enactors. And each year features a different historic scenario crucial to the outcome of the war.
Programs and activities abound for children and adults alike. Interact, explore and engage your entire family in the experience.
The next Civil War Weekend will be held September 29-30, 2012. It will be the 22nd year that Wade House has held this event.
2011 Theme: Missouri 1861
When the Civil War broke out, Missouri was a border state strategically located with two major rivers flowing through it. Most citizens desired neutrality, but there were also passionate pro- and anti-slavery factions.
In spring 1861, Missouri declared support for the Union with the condition that it remained "armed neutral;" not providing men or materials to either side. However, when President Abraham Lincoln requested Missouri men serve for the Union cause, Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson withdrew its support.
On June 12, 1861, Union Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon met with Jackson in St. Louis in attempt to resolve the matter. The meeting ended with Lyon stating "This means war! In an hour one of my officers will call for you and conduct you out of my lines."
On August 10, 1861, Missouri's first major Civil War battle occurred near Wilson's Creek. For more than five hours the battle raged and the fighting was often at close quarters. The tide turned with each charge and counter charge. The pro-southern Missouri State Guard eventually repelled Union attacks and scored the first western victory for Confederate forces.
The battle of Wilson's Creek marked the beginning of the war in the west and left the Confederacy in temporary control of southwestern Missouri.
Experience this 1860s clash of arms between Union and Confederate troops at Civil War Weekend. Watch hundreds of soldiers — cavalry, infantry and artillery — struggle across the field in this re-enacted conflict depicted with startling accuracy and passion.