By MARY TURNER
On March 21 and 22, the Union and Confederate armies will return to Knights Ferry for the annual Civil War Reenactment. The American Civil War Association has been bringing this event to Knights Ferry for over 30 years. The sounds of cannon fire can be heard throughout Knights Ferry as over 150 soldiers dressed in authentic, period uniforms battle it out.
Spectators will be entertained with gun battles as well as the use of cannons. (It gets loud! Little ones and pets, beware!) Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and claim a spot on the hill overlooking the Covered Bridge to watch the battles. During the weekend, the armies will make camp in Knights Ferry where reenactors will stay in historically accurate encampments. The Union Army will be in the Army Corp parking lot on the North side of the river, while the Confederate Army will set up in the upper Southern parking lot across the river. Visitors are invited to stroll through the encampments to explore the camps, meet reenactors and learn more about life during the Civil War.
Camps are open on Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-2pm.
Battle times will be Saturday at 1pm and 4pm and on Sunday at 10am and 1pm.
With flowers like lupine and poppies beginning to bloom across the hills, this is a particularly beautiful time to visit Knights Ferry.
Knights Ferry has an interesting historical connection to the Civil War. As many locals know, General Ulysses S. Grant, who led the Union Army to victory, is part of Knights Ferry’s local lore. Grant married Julia Dent in 1848 in Missouri. He visited Knights Ferry while stationed in California in the early 1850s. At the time of his visit, Grant was only a young Army officer, years before he would become the Union general who helped win the Civil War.
Julia Dent’s brothers, Louis and John Dent, had established themselves in Knights Ferry after William Knight was killed. The Dent brothers took possession of Knight’s house as well as several local businesses, including the ferry, restaurant, store, and boarding house. (Suspicious, eh?) At one time the town was even briefly called Dentville after the Dent brothers, though the name Knights Ferry ultimately stuck. One reminder of that connection still stands today: the Lewis Dent House, built in 1851 and believed to be the oldest home in Knights Ferry.
Legend has it that while Grant was visiting his brothers-in-law, he helped draw up plans for a bridge the brothers hoped to build.
Rick’s Saloon will be open bright and early at 9am during the Civil War Reenactment. The special for the day will be Brats with a variety of toppings to choose from, and Western bacon cheeseburgers. The majority of the main menu will also be available.
After the battles on Saturday, March 21, stick around for the Knights Ferry Community Club’s annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser. Dinner will be served from 5pm - 8pm. Meal tickets go for $10 and include spaghetti, salad, rolls and cookies. Beverages include water, punch and wine. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
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Thankful Thursday is now held on the first and third Thursdays of each month. This week, March 19, the menu will be a Cincinnati 6 way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, jalapenos & meatballs. Come buy a drink at Rick’s world-famous saloon and get this delicious meal for free! This is a great opportunity to chat with your neighbors and support one of our historical, local businesses.
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Friday, March 27 is Laura and David Simmons’ 50th (golden!) wedding anniversary. Due to family medical issues as well as scheduling conflicts, the family will not be having a formal celebration at this time. Laura and Dave’s family’s request to the Knights Ferry community is to extend your congratulations with cards, flowers or simple well wishes when you see them out and about. You are welcome to drop a card off at the Knights Ferry post office where it will receive special handling.
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Ongoing Events:
Odd Fellows Breakfast - 1st Sunday of the month @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Free Market - 2nd Tuesday 3:30pm @ The Odd Fellows Lodge
Taco Tuesday - 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon
Thankful Thursdays - 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month. Free meal with drink purchase 5pm-8pm @ Rick’s Saloon
Community Trash Pickup - Last Sunday of the month - 10am @ Knights Ferry Art Studio
Upcoming Events:
Water Board Meeting - March 19, 7pm @ The Miller’s Hall
Civil War Reenactment - March 21-22 @ the Covered Bridge
Annual Community Club Spaghetti Dinner - March 21, 5pm-8pm @ The Community Club
Knights Ferry Classic Car Show - April 4, 10am - 3pm @ Main Street, Knights Ferry
Gold Country Peddlers Faire - April 26, 9am-4pm - Main Street/Covered Bridge, Knights Ferry
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Do you have any exciting Knights Ferry local news, upcoming events, historical facts about the area, jokes or recipes to share? Contact Mary Turner at knightsferrynews@gmail.com
