2019 Jackson Civil War Muster
Don’t miss the 35th Annual Jackson Civil War Muster on August 24-25, 2019 at Sparks Foundation County Park in Jackson, Michigan. Check out living history exhibits and exciting educational events for the whole family. Both days we will have battle reenactments, a live music festival, the village of Jacksonburgh, sutlers row, and arts and crafts show, and so much more. The Jackson Civil War Muster is the largest, longest running Civil War event in the Midwest and offers educational family fun for all ages. Join us and experience history come to life.
Jackson Civil War Muster
More than 1,500 participants bring the 1860s to life at the Jackson Civil War Muster, attended by around 30,000 spectators every year. Since 1984, the annual two-day Muster has featured the reenactment of a different battle on each day. The battles alternate each year, so last year’s battle will never be the same as this year’s. It’s a unique opportunity to relive a turning point in our country’s history, and one that few reenactments can beat.
A Weekend in the Past
An average morning at the Jackson Civil War Muster begins with battalion drills from both sides, Union and Confederate. Events follow in the Historic Village of Jacksonburgh, a battle encampment re-creation that houses historian lectures, impersonators and period music in the hours leading up to the battle. The main attraction features 1,500 reenactors armed with weapons, uniforms and personalities that would have been commonplace during the Civil War. Guests and participants often join for a concert, a military ball and an artillery “night fire” when the battels are over. Admission is free for spectators. For more information and a detailed schedule of the two-day event, visit CivilWarMuster.org.
Join the Battle – Reenactor Information
Enthusiastic reenactors are what brings the Jackson Civil War Muster to life. If you want to volunteer or inquire about volunteering, check out the event’s registration page. The Muster also has openings for event volunteers, non-profits, arts and crafts booths, and vendors. To register online or to view registration documents, visit the forms page.
Visitor Information: Experience the Muster
The Jackson Civil War Muster draws people in from all around Michigan and beyond. If you have never been or if you are like the hundreds of people who show up just before 2 p.m. to watch the battle, you are missing out on some of the best parts of the Muster. The 2 p.m. battles on Saturday and Sunday draws thousands of people who scale the hill, sit in the hot sun and enjoy a moment in history. But, the Civil War Muster is more than just battles. Here is an insiders list of the top things to bring, see, do, and eat to truly EXPERIENCE the Muster.
Jackson Civil War Muster Gallery Preview
View Full Gallery
See & Do
Be sure and pick up a program. They are usually $2.00 and you will find Boy Scouts and Civil War Muster volunteers and the JROTC all around the park ready to sell one to you. In the program you will find a map, a list of the activities, information about the battles and thank you’s to all the people who make this event possible. Once you have your program in hand, you are ready to take a trip back in time. Be sure and take the walk to the settlers’ encampment. The reenactors set up tents, cook over open fires and live the life of the Civil War Era. Next, be sure and walk through the “village”. Here you will find craftsman showing off their skill and selling their wares. Everything from blacksmiths and dress makers to candle stick makers. Don’t miss out on the formal ball or Lincoln’s speech.
Food
You can’t talk about the Civil War Muster without talking about food and most importantly the Root Beer and Lemonade stand. It’s easy to find on the corner of Brown and Randolph streets. It’s always easy to find, just look for the longest line. The best part is once you purchase your bottle (they offer a variety of sizes) you can take it back and have it refilled at a discounted price. Usually very close to the root beer stand is the kettle corn. Don’t worry you won’t have any problem finding it. Just take a deep sniff and follow your nose to the sweet smell of cooking kettle corn. Once you have your drink you will of course need something to eat. You won’t be disappointed in the amount of choices of food. Food vendors line the main drag of the park and you can get everything from a pulled pork sandwich to deep fried Oreos.
What to Bring
August in Michigan is hot, so come prepared. Bring something to sit on while watching the battle, blankets or camp chairs work fine. Bring or be prepared to purchase water. There is little shade at Cascades Falls Park and you will want to stay hydrated. Wear, and bring, sunscreen and slip on your comfy walking shoes. If you have little ones, or someone that is sensitive to loud noises, consider bringing a set of ear plugs. The battle gets very loud.
Bonus Info
This is a FREE event. You can come and enjoy the Muster, walk around, see the battle and never have to spend a dime. Parking is run by the Boy Scouts and you will be directed into a spot that you will easily be able to get out of when you want to leave. This event happens no matter the weather so as long as you come prepared you will be able to experience everything the Civil War Muster has to offer.
Explore Jackson
Explore the pivotal role that Jackson played in the anti-slavery movement of the 1850s, leading up to four years of American civil war. From striking monuments and locations to widely attended events that continue to honor an undeniable impact, the stories of the Civil War hold a special significance within Jackson’s heart.
About the Jackson Civil War Muster
In honor of the area’s widespread history, the Jackson Civil War Muster was started in 1984. It still runs every summer, featuring more than 1,500 reenactors and 30,000 spectators. Visit a re-creation of the original village of Jacksonburgh, watch an artillery “night fire,” and enjoy live period music at this annual summer tradition in Sparks Park, also known as Cascades Park.
Year-Round History
The first Civil War volunteer regiment in Michigan came from Jackson, and several spots around town reflect invaluable reminders of the history that followed: Withington Park, Evergreen Cemetery, Ella Sharp Museum, First Congregational Church, and Michigan Military Heritage Museum, a museum honoring Michigan veterans from the Civil War as well as other wars.
Location
Sparks Foundation County Park
1400 South Brown Street
Jackson, MI 49203
For More Information: jae@experiencejackson.com (517) 262-6391
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Jackson Civil War Muster in August at Sparks Foundation County Park in Jackson, Michigan.
Tags: Jackson Civil War Muster, Jackson Civil War Days, Jackson Civil War Reenactment, Jackson Michigan Civil War Muster, Jackson Michigan Civil War Days, Jackson Michigan Civil War Reenactment