Military encampment at Fort Scott National Historic Site commemorates the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War

Nevada Daily Mail

In April 1865, Union soldiers at Fort Scott could see the end of four long years of a devastating war. Excitement turned to tragedy with news of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton said to the small gathering of people at Lincoln's bedside after his death: "Now he belongs to the ages."

Staff and volunteers at Fort Scott National Historic Site will honor the sacrifice of soldiers and civilians from 1861-1865 during the 33rd annual Civil War Encampment Saturday and Sunday. The roar of musketry, boom of artillery, and neighing of horses will again be heard as Union troops garrison Fort Scott. A variety of programs offer you the opportunity to learn more about Fort Scott's role during this turbulent conflict. The activities begin at 9 a.m., on Saturday, and conclude following the 3 p.m. program on Sunday.

During the Civil War, Fort Scott served as a major supply base and training ground for Union troops. This weekend, Union Cavalry, Infantry, and Artillery units will conduct military training common to soldiers of the era, including marching, small arms and artillery drills, and horsemanship. Talk with the soldiers in camp, visit with the ladies in Victorian dress, and haggle over merchandise with the settlers at their store.

Authentic Civil War memorabilia will be featured during the annual encampment at Fort Scott National Historic Site. "The Border Wars Collectors," a group of local military enthusiasts, will provide the display. Weapons on display are similar to those used by the men, including soldiers of the Indian Home Guard and United States Colored Troops, who fought along the Missouri border and in Bourbon, Crawford, and Cherokee counties in Kansas. Weaponry will include a wide variety of sabers, and pistols, rifles, rifled muskets, and muskets of varying calibers.

Saturday's activities will conclude with a special evening performance titled, "Martyr of Liberty." In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln assassination, performers will retell that chilling story.

Historical personalities being featured are Mary Surratt (the female conspirator who was later executed), Clara Harris (who was in the theater box with Lincoln when he was shot), Dr. Samuel Mudd (who treated Booth's ankle, injured when he jumped onto the stage), Boston Corbett (who shot John Wilkes Booth) and Edwin Stanton (Secretary of War who oversaw the investigation and trial). Soldier Charles Porter, who was here at Fort Scott when Lincoln was shot, explains local reaction to the sad news. Of course, President Lincoln and his wife will be present, telling of that day's events and how they came to be in attendance at Ford's Theater.

Sunday's programs begin with a flag raising at 9 a.m. Then, volunteer Jim Gallion presents a period church service at 10 a.m., followed by a Civil War medical talk at 11:00 a.m. that will discuss a variety of soldier's ailments. The afternoon will be filled with artillery, cavalry, and infantry drills.

The schedule of activities is as follows:

Saturday, April 18

9 a.m. -- Flag raising.

10 a.m -- Cavalry drill.

11 a.m. -- Infantry drill and weapons demonstration.

1 p.m. -- Artillery drill and weapons demonstration.

2 p.m. -- Infantry drill and weapons demonstration.

3 p.m. -- Artillery drill and weapons demonstration.

4 p.m. -- Flag retreat.

6 p.m. -- "Martyr of Liberty" Lincoln Assassination Chautauqua evening performance.

Sunday, ApriL 19

9 a.m. -- Flag Raising.

10 a.m. -- Church service .

11 a.m. -- Civil War medical talk.

Noon -- Artillery drill and weapons demonstration.

1 p.m. -- Cavalry drill.

2 p.m. -- Infantry drill and weapons demonstration.

3 p.m. -- Artillery drill and weapons demonstration.