Scores of people strolled through the streets of Knights Ferry this past weekend to step back in time as they watched the Civil War Reenactment come to life. Visitors were treated to authentic 1860’s historical treasures as they entered the Knights Ferry Recreation Area. White tents dotted the hillside and soldiers crossed paths with spectators as they prepared for their upcoming battles. The annual reenactment is put on through the American Civil War Association and was staged Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22.
Each and every detail, from the clothes that the women and children wear to the weapons that the soldiers use during battle, is chosen carefully and cared for with great appreciation. Some artifacts including flags flown on actual battlefields were on display for everyone to see. Tattered and torn as they were, they told the stories of the many battles fought during the Civil War, which took place from April, 1861 through April, 1865.
For some, participating in the event is a family affair as sisters Grace and Anna Gilbert noted.
“We have been involved for as long as we can remember because our grandparents were part of the reenactments,” said Grace Gilbert.
The sisters, though young in age, wore their costumes and their expressions stoically and proudly. As the Gilbert sisters relayed how much it means to them to participate in these events, honoring history and their family, they also enjoyed some of the lighter moments such as the dance that took place on Saturday evening with ladies and gents dancing in full costumes while local musicians played songs from days gone by.
Whether one is a history buff or perhaps just wanted to learn more about our shared history, Civil War Days in Knights Ferry transported everyone back to the 1860’s with a reverence for those that lost their lives on the battlefield and the hope for a united nation to move forward after the final battle.
For more information about this event or other events like this that take place throughout Northern California, visit the American Civil War Association website at acwa.org
