May 25, 2004 > The Blue and Gray Visit Ardenwood

Movie
(Requires Quicktime)

Union and Confederate forces will once again bivouac at Ardenwood Historic Farm over the Memorial Day weekend, May 29-31. Watch hundreds of volunteers from the National Civil War Association recreate battles between cavalry, infantry and artillery units, listen to music of the time and stroll through the camps of soldiers who fought to determine the destiny of the United States of America.

The spark of the Civil War was the election of Abraham Lincoln, a known opponent of slavery. At his inauguration, Lincoln made it clear that he would not accept succession from the Union. It is interesting that four "slavery states" actually remained in the Union during the war. Economic, political and social differences were the primary motivations for succession and feelings were so strong that some families split between the Yankee Blue of the Union and the Rebel Gray of the Confederacy. A new state, West Virginia, was created due to the strong feelings of residents of that area to remain with the Union, while the remainder of the state chose the Confederacy.

This is a chance for you and your family to see history jump from the pages of textbooks and novels. Authentic replicas of uniforms and gear will transport visitors back to the years 1861 - 1865 and feel what it was like to live and serve during those turbulent times.

Battle recreations are scheduled twice daily on Saturday and Sunday with a final clash on Monday afternoon. A memorial service will be held Sunday morning. Ardenwood will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. For more information, call (510) 796-0663 or visit www.ebparks.org. Turn to page 22 for a free child admission coupon.