Wood River Rendezvous
(Formerly known as Camp Dubois Rendezvous)
An Historical Reenactment of the 1700-1840's Frontier Era
Wood River, Illinois
NE corner of Routes 3 and 143

May 3 - 4, 2008
10 am - 5 pm both days
Free - donations encouraged
Camping Fee

Time Period Music O Tomahawk Throw O Artisans/Traders O Black Powder Shoot
Lewis & Clark Reenactors O Authentic Foods O Children’s Activities

Opening Ceremony each day at 10 am
Battle each day at 2 pm

Rendezvous is an adaptation of the French word for a date or appointment. In the American fur trade era it was a place where traders and trappers met to exchange goods for furs. Today a rendezvous like the Camp DuBois Rendezvous is a gathering of people interested in reliving the history of the fur trade era (1680-1840). This encampment of living history is held every spring with reenactors portraying pre-1840 historical characters including French & Indian War soldiers, Colonial militia, fur trappers, and Native Americans. This event also includes historical crafts and skills demonstrations, along with children's activities. If you like living history, don't miss this event!

A variety of primitive shelters
can be seen on the grounds

The Illinois Territorial Rangers will be performing a number of military functions practiced during the period. Camp DuBois, a replica of the 1803-04 fort of Lewis and Clark has been finished and will be open for tours. Tents, teepees, and campfires and costumed living history re-enactors will carry on their day-to-day lifestyle, as they would have 200 years ago. Encampments include 1750's British Military Infantry Unit, the1812 Illinois Territorial Rangers, and a Native American Village. Talk with them and learn about starting fires with flint and steel, cooking over open camp fires, making clothes from animal hides, or how Lewis and Clark prepared for their journey. A military battle reenactment will be held at 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Artisans will be providing goods and information about crafts such as blacksmithing, rope making, basket weaving, and making canoes. Many of these artisans will be demonstrating how their wares are made. A special children's area will provide excitement and education for young people.

Local artisan Butch Lyerla
demonstrates rope making to young visitors

You'll see men, women and children cook on open fires, conduct trade, present period demonstrations and tell stories. Just watch, or step back into time with them.

Historical Demonstrations	Black Powder Shoot
Wares For Sale	Period Music

Camping fee provides campsites, water, firewood and a climatized comfort station with showers is available for those participants spending the night. 

For more information on this event call 618-940-2424

Directions: The Wood River Rendezvous is held at Camp DuBois, located near the intersection of Routes 3 and 143. Follow Route 143 into Wood River approximately 1/6 of a mile. Parking will be in a field on the left.

The Wood River Rendezvous is sponsored
by the Wood River Heritage Council

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