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Visitors Guide to
Living History Events
in the
Middle Mississippi River Valley
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| 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. |
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BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE
CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT |
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Late April - early May
Rand Park and other locations in Keokuk
If you are interested in the Civil War and want to get "up close
and personal" with history then you will truly enjoy your time
at this annual Civil War Reenactment. Activities include a
Ladies Program and Tea, a Military Ball, Breakfast with the
Troops, a National Cemetery Memorial and Church Service,
campfires and two Battle Reenactments.
While in Rand Park,
visitors can tour the camps, visit Sutler’s Row, snack on period
food and enjoy period entertainment.
Activities at Rand Park are free,
other activities may involve a fee.
For information call 319-524-5599 or 1-800-383-1219
or visit the
keokukiowatourism.org website |
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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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ANNUAL
FETE DE L'AUTOMNE
Fertile, MO |
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First
Sunday in October
Hwy CC across from
Washington State Park
Enjoy a beautiful fall day listening to music, visiting with
friends, finding your relatives and feasting on the many food
delights awaiting you at the annual fete. This event features
crafts, storytelling, Chicken' & Dumplin’s dinner, croquignoles
(French pastry made fresh on site), lots of home baked goodies, and
lots more. Visit a historical display in the old Maplewood School
house, see live demonstrations, trace your ancestors, purchase
historical publications, visit the country store, stir the apple
butter, wander the grounds, and enjoy a relaxing day with music
provided by internationally known Illinois native Dennis Stroughmatt
et’ E’Spirit Creole.
Free
For
more information call
636-394-3628
or visit the event's
website |
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CIVIL WAR DAYS
Columbus, KY |
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First Weekend in October
Columbus-Belmont State Park
This annual event includes battle reenactments, living
history, and encampments. Friday is "education day".
Schools, scouts, groups, & clubs are encouraged to schedule
field trips. Battles will be held at 2 pm Saturday and
Sunday. There will be a Ghost Walk on Friday evening and a
Civil War Ball on Saturday night. Sunday morning features
services and a Memorial Service at Columbus Cemetery.
Sutlers and food vendors will be on site to serve the needs
of the reenactors and visiting guests. Special entertainment
daily.
Free
For information call
270-677-2327 |
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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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GRAFTON
RENDEZVOUS
Grafton, IL |
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Mid October
Grafton Riverfront
This event celebrates the pre-1840's fur trade era with reenactors camping
along the the Illinois River in teepees and period tents. Activities
includes tomahawk and knife throwing competitions, black powder and
archery contests, and
other period demonstrations, food, crafts, and live entertainment.
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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