Living History Events 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		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

FORT DE CHARTRES RENDEZVOUS Prairie du Rocher, IL		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

ARCHEOLOGY DAYS Collinsville		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

JERSEY COUNTY VICTORIAN FESTIVAL Jerseyville		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

HERITAGE DAYS Godfrey		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

FRENCH & INDIAN WAR ASSEMBLAGE Prairie du Rocher, IL		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

OLD SETTLERS DAYS Kampsville		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


Additional events of this type can be found on greatriverroad.com's Lewis and Clark Calendar