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Living History
in the
Middle Mississippi River Valley
The world of "Living History", whether a
Frontier Rendezvous or a Civil War era re-enactment, has experienced an increase
in popularity in the past decade, both in the number of participants and events
as well as the number of visitors attending these events. Participants take on
personas and duplicate as well as possible the life these personas would have
lived. Most take great care in using only exacting recreation of clothing, gear,
and equipment from the past. Furthermore, many take on the role of teachers,
explaining how our ancestors coped with the daily rigors of life. Visitors to
these events can expect to find participants portraying fur trappers, Native Americans, craftsmen and
artisans of all types, traders, soldiers, Victorian ladies, and more! The
Middle Mississippi River Valley is host
to a number of annual "Living History" events.
WOOD
RIVER
RENDEZVOUS
Wood River
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First
weekend in May
Route 143 and Route 3
Celebrate the fur trapping era that lasted from 1700 to 1840 at the
historic Camp DuBois site. A replica of Lewis and Clark's 1803-1804 winter
headquarters is currently under construction.
Free - Donations encouraged
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FORT DE CHARTRES
RENDEZVOUS
Prairie du Rocher, IL |
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First
weekend in June
Fort
De Chartres
4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on IL-155
9 am - 5 pm
One of the largest in rendezvous events in the
country occurs annually at this historic fort. 18th century crafts, food, music, 1000's of historically
dressed participants, flintlock musket and rifle competition,
cannon and mortar competition, traders and more.
Small parking fee
For
more information call 618-284-7230 |
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ARCHEOLOGY
DAYS
Collinsville |
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End of
August
Cahokia Mounds State
Historic Site
Collinsville Road
This is the site's largest annual event and features specialists
demonstrating ancient crafts such as pottery making, flintknapping, gourd
carving, making tools and ornaments, bow and arrow making, and more.
Public throwing available.
Free
For more information call 800-289-2388 or 618-346-5160 |
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JERSEY COUNTY
VICTORIAN FESTIVAL
Jerseyville
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Labor Day
weekend
Located 1.5 miles north of Jerseyville
at the 60 acre Hazel Dell farm
This large Civil War Era re-enactment is centered around the
1866 Fulkerson Mansion, which is open for tours during the festival.
Admission charged - Free parking
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HERITAGE
DAYS
Godfrey |
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Last weekend of September
Lewis & Clark Community College
5800 Godfrey Road (Route 67)
This annual event is a re-creation of period history, with black powder
and other historical demonstrations, primitive encampments, music,
crafts and food.
Admission charged - Free parking |
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FRENCH
& INDIAN
WAR ASSEMBLAGE
Prairie du Rocher, IL |
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First
weekend in October
Fort
De Chartres
9 am - 5 pm
4 miles west of Prairie du Rocher on IL-155
The French and Indian War signaled the decline of France's influence
in North America and helped spark the American Revolution. This Living History
event portrays this time period at this reconstructed historic
fort with camp life, contests, and vignettes.
Free
For
more information call 618-284-7230 |
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OLD SETTLERS DAYS
Kampsville |
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Second weekend of October
Riverside Park
Held on the banks of the Illinois River this event depicts the life and times of the early Calhoun settlers.
Free
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| Additional
events of this type can be found on
greatriverroad.com's
Lewis and Clark Calendar |
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