2019 Fort Wilkins Civil War Encampment
History comes to life at the 34th Annual Fort Wilkins Civil War Encampment on July 26-28, 2019 at the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor, Michigan. The roar of cannons will rebound across Lake Fanny Hooe when Civil War-era living-history group Battery D, 1st Michigan Light Artillery, pitches camp at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor in Michigan’s beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. Re-creating the volunteer artillery unit organized at White Pigeon in 1861, the group will interpret army life of the period, demonstrating artillery drills, period cooking and soldiers’ pastimes. Celebrating its 30th anniversary at Fort Wilkins, the encampment will feature more than 30 costumed interpreters, tents, a depiction of army barracks life, and full-scale artillery pieces as well as authentically reproduced mess gear, small arms and other period artifacts.
Fort Wilkins Civil War Encampment
The Fort Wilkins Civil War Encampment will feature more than 25 costumed interpreters, a depiction of army barracks life, medical and undertaking demonstrations, drills, skits and full-scale artillery pieces – including 10-pound Parrott rifles (cannons) – along with army tents and authentic reproductions of mess gear, small arms and other period artifacts.
During the Civil War encampment, history truly comes alive at Fort Wilkins. Hearing the cannon boom across Lake Fanny Hooe is an unforgettable experience that really sets the stage for the weekend. Once visitors experience Battery D’s performance, they come back year after year.
Hours
Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission
The Battery D re-enactment activities are free for park visitors, however, a Recreation Passport is required to enter the park.
This event is sponsored by the Michigan Historical Center and the Parks and Recreation Division, along with support from the Fort Wilkins Natural History Association (FWNHA). The FWNHA is a non-profit organization that provides support to Fort Wilkins Historic State Park.
Location
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is located in Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula,
About Fort Wilkins Living History
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park features a restored 19th-century military post with daily costumed portrayals of soldiers and their families and museum exhibits enlivened by the sights and sounds of army life 160 years ago. Fort Wilkins is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the outdoor museum is open daily from 8:30 a.m. until dusk through mid-October.
For more information: Call 906-289-4215 Email info@fortwilkinsnha.org
Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Fort Wilkins Civil War Encampment at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor, Michigan.
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