Folks traveling in Holt County Missouri along Highway 159 south of Fortescue this next weekend will think they have stepped back in time. The sound of cannons, marching Civil War units and seeing Calvary troops on horses is sure to draw attention! The ╲1861 Battle of Blair Hill╡ Reenactment, planned by the Holt County Historical Society, will be in full swing on Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18, at all Society properties! The Confederates will set up camp, south of Fortescue, around the 1869 John C. Hinkle brick home on the Ball-Roupe Farmstead with Union troops surrounding the little brick Fortescue Schoolhouse in town.
During the two day event, Civil War Re-enactors from Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri will offer a free history lesson for spectators with battles, camp tours, displays and special programs. Camps open at 9 am each day with drills and demonstrations. Spectators are welcome and there is no admission charge. Concessions stands will offer food both days. A shuttle will provide transportation to both campsites.
On both Saturday and Sunday, an ╲all you can eat╡ Society fundraiser biscuit and sausage gravy breakfast will be offered from 7-9 am in the Societyâ•˙s church kitchen.
Scheduled Saturday re-enactment battles are the Battle of Blair Hill at the Farmstead at 11 am and at the School-grounds at 4:30 pm. On Sunday at 1:30 pm a battle will be staged at the School-grounds.
Other Saturday highlights at the Farmstead include School Days with ╲Miss Sally╡, Sharon Waggoner, at 10 am and 1 pm; Civil War period dances at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm by children from Holt County R-II School.; an Underground Quilt program by Donna Heck at 11:30 am; and a Candlelight tour at 8 pm. Saturday events at the School-grounds will feature a Guerrilla Raid on the town of Fortescue, a mock trial, and medical demonstrations.
Sunday morning camps in both locations open with drills and demonstrations at 9 am with each having church services at 11 am on both sites along with medical demonstrations during the day.
The weekend event recalls the Holt County battle that took place in September 1861 between Pro-Southern Missouri State Guard forces commanded by Capt. Calvin Calvert and Union forces led by Capt. James Swarthout Hart. Marching north from Oregon and south from Mound City the two troops met at Blair Lane, with a heavy skirmish ensuing.
The event sponsors are the Holt County Historical Society, the 3rd Missouri Inf. Volunteers-C.S.A. and the Consolidated Company, 7th & 30th Missouri Inf. Volunteers-USA. For additional information contact Mike Girdner, 816-487-2084 or Jill Asher, 660-442-3610.
