How to go
What: Monroe Civil War Days
Where: Monroe Community Park, South Main Street, Monroe
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
More information: monroecivilwardays.com
MONROE — In 1861, the United States divided and went to war with itself over the definition of freedom. One hundred and fifty years ago the reverberations of that struggle are still felt and remembered.
Monroe Civil War Days will be Saturday and Sunday at the Monroe Community Park on South Main Street.
The two day reenactment will commemorate the sesquicentennial of the start of the Civil War, one of the most historically significant and ugliest times in American history.
“This is a living history exhibition,” said Sue Wise, a spokeswoman for the event.
Wise said around 70-75 reenactors were expected to participate from around the Tri-state area. Volunteers will become soldiers, doctors, nurses and even an embalmer to give visitors a first hand demonstration of life on the front lines during the Civil War. Beyond soldiers, the armies will also have live artillery and animals. There will also be several display booths documenting the history of the Civil War.
The Community Park will open both days at 9 a.m. with events beginning at 10 a.m. Battles will be pitched between the north and south at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Other scheduled events include:
• An 1880s-style base ball game between the Monroe Golden Lads and the Monore High School team at 1 p.m. Saturday
• Lantern tours of the campsites at 8 p.m. Saturday
• Fire and Brimstone church service at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Confederate Camp
• Performances by the Razor’s Edge Quartet and Chorus at 12:30 p.m. both days.
Wise said the plan is to have the event each year for the next five years in recognition of each year of the Civil War.
For a full schedule of events and more information visit www.monroecivilwardays.com.
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.
About the Author