By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com
Virginia is full of reminders of historic battles, mostly from the Civil War. Historical markers, battlefields, and commemorative events abound, and it’s no wonder: with more than 2,000 “military events” recorded in Virginia during the Civil War, the commonwealth, in all its regions, is rich in military history.
The historic markers, sites, and events make Virginia a great place for history buffs and students who want to see up-close where soldiers of the past lived, trained, and fought. Museums and battlefields offer educational programs year-round, and at large reenactments and “living history” programs visitors can watch battles, tour military camps, and even try some hands-on activities. Our post last year about living history events and reenactments proved to be a useful resource, so we’re making this an annual guide! See below for the dates for 2017 events!
These programs include soldiers from various military regiments plus other costumed characters (families, farmers, and medical workers, for example) to demonstrate how life was long ago. Some events are free and others charge admission; due to the firings in battle (especially canons), battles can be loud, so keep that in mind if taking young kids. Though most reenactments in Virginia are about the Civil War, history buffs also will find large events focused on other major battles from the Revolutionary War, World War II, and more. Below we have compiled a list of nearly 20 of the largest such events, which feature firing and drilling exercises, canons, and skirmishes. This list includes reenactments in Northern Virginia as well as other major events nearby (in areas between one and three hours away) that are good for a day trip. Have any to add to our list? Let us know!
Revolutionary War weekend at Mount Vernon (photo by P. Hall)
2017 Reenactments and Major Living History Events
Revolutionary War
Sunday, February 19: Revolutionary War Reenactment
Fort Ward Park, Alexandria, Virginia
An official event of the City of Alexandria’s annual George Washington Birthday Celebration, this Revolutionary War Encampment brings together more than 250 troops from reenactment units along the Atlantic Coast that represent authentic regiments from the American and British sides. Each regiment gives camp and tactical demonstrations, participates in battle reenactments, and has a comprehensive educational program.
Civil War
Saturday, April 29: Fairfax Civil War Day
Historic Blenheim Estate, Fairfax, Virginia
An annual day of tours, exhibits, talks and presentations, wagon rides, games, living history presenters and displays, and more, presented by the City of Fairfax.
Revolutionary War
Saturday-Sunday, May 6-7: Revolutionary War Weekend at Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Mount Vernon, VA
This two-day event features one of the largest Revolutionary War reenactments each year! Guests will see more than 700 Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action on the estate. Other Revolutionary War themed activities including music, dancing, and demonstrations, take place over the weekend.
World War II
Saturday-Sunday, May 6-7: WWII Weekend
Graeme Park, Horsham, Pennsylvania (3 hours away)
Reenactment units set up camp for the weekend and engage in a mock battle on Saturday and Sunday, with the Keith House setting the scene as a small farm in occupied France in 1944. There also will be music (including an 18-piece swing band), an Abbott & Costello comedy show, a period display of military vehicles, and more.
The Bushong home on the Virginia Civil War Museum grounds, where the Battle of New Market took place (photo by P. Hall)
Civil War
Saturday-Sunday, May 20-21: 153rd Anniversary Battle of New Market Reenactment
Virginia Museum of the Civil War, New Market, Virginia (1.5 hours away)
The oldest continual reenactment in the nation, this event takes place on an original 1864 battlefield. Visitors will experience Civil War soldier life through demonstrations and living history presentations prior to and after the battle each day. Guests will see the sights and sounds of signal corps, artillery, cavalry, musket firing, camp life, medical corps, and more.
Civil War
Saturday, May 20: Falls Church Civil War Day
Cherry Hill Farmhouse, Falls Church, Virginia
Learn how the Civil War affected Falls Church as re-enactors portray both civilians and soldiers from the period. Watch soldiers conduct firing and drilling exercises, listen to stories from General Robert E Lee and Ladies from the Sanitary Commission and period music, and enjoy activities for kids.
Civil War
TBA: Civil War Camp Day at Fort Ward
Fort Ward Park, Alexandria, Virginia
Union and Confederate reenactors interpret Civil War military activities in camp settings, present drills and firing demonstrations, and civilian impressions.
Civil War
TBA (usually in June): Fairfax Station Civil War Events
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, Fairfax Station, Virginia
The museum presents two distinct events to teach guests about the Civil War era. On Saturday, Civil War reenactors will demonstrate what life was like for soldiers, with live firings, exhibits on camp life, and more activities throughout the day. On Sunday, members of a Victorian dance ensemble will perform ballroom dances and teach visitors commons steps from the Civil War period Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for kids, and free for children ages four and younger.
Civil War
TBA: First Battle of Manassas Commemoration
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, Virginia
Join park staff to commemorate the 155th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) with a variety of historian led walking tours and living history demonstrations. All ranger-led walking tours will last 60-90 minutes. The park also hosts a commemoration of the Second Battle of Manassas in August and living history programs throughout the year.
One of the more than 1,300 monuments and markers at Gettysburg (photo by P. Hall)
Civil War
Saturday-Monday, July 1-3: Battle of Gettysburg
Near Eisenhower National Historic Site, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (1.5 hours away)
This annual commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg is one of the largest reenactments in the country. This year’s event, July 1-3, 2016, uniquely coincides with the actual days of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. Activities include fiery artillery demonstrations, daily battles, cavalry presentations, period worship services, dancing, and music.
World War II
July (date TBA): World War II Weekend
Sully Historic Site, Chantilly, Virginia
Allied and Axis reenactors gather for a weekend of demonstrations in this living history event. Guests get an up-close look at what life was like for soldiers and civilians and talk to them about their jobs, living quarters, food and life in the 1940s.
Civil War
TBA: 153rd Anniversary of the Battle of the Crater
Petersburg National Battlefield Park, Petersburg, Virginia (2 hours away)
Lasting nine and a half months and resulting in 70,000 casualties, the Siege of Petersburg represents the longest military event of the Civil War. The most famous battle of the Siege of Petersburg was the July 30, 1864, Battle of the Crater, which this event commemorates. Along with infantry and artillery drills, living historians and park rangers will present special programs.
Manassas National Battlefield Park (photo by P. Hall)
Civil War
TBA: Second Battle of Manassas Commemoration
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, Virginia
Join park staff to commemorate the 154th anniversary of the Second Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) with a variety of historian led walking tours and living history demonstrations. All ranger-led walking tours will last 60-90 minutes. The park also hosts a commemoration of the First Battle of Manassas in July and living history programs throughout the year. https://www.nps.gov/mana/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
French and Indian War
Saturday-Sunday, August 26-27: French & Indian War Muster
Fort Frederick State Park, Fort Frederick, Maryland (1.5 hours away)
French, British, and American Indian reenactors assemble at Fort for three days of 18th century living history demonstrations and battle reenactments. Period crafts and food vendors also will be available.
War of 1812
Saturday-Sunday, September 9-10: Defenders’ Day Weekend
Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland (1 hour away)
Fort McHenry hosts the annual Defenders’ Day Weekend with fife and drum performances, flag talks, living historians, children’s activities, author talks, special demonstrations and more. Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday commemorating the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the war of 1812.
The grounds at the Eisenhower Historic Site in Gettysburg (photo by P. Hall)
World War II
TBA (usually in September): WWII Weekend at Eisenhower National Historic Site
Eisenhower National Historic Site, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
This huge World War II living history weekend features two days of authentic recreations of Allied and German army camps, complete with original World War II vehicles. Hundreds of reenactors will portray military personnel from the European Theater in 1944. There will be presentations on WWII medical services, weapons and equipment, communications, military vehicles, and the life of the common soldier.
Civil War
Saturday-Sunday, October 7-8: Fort Frederick in the Civil War
Fort Frederick State Park, Fort Frederick, Maryland (1.5 hours away)
To commemorate Fort Frederick’s role in the American Civil War, reenactors will assemble for a weekend of living history demonstrations and tactics demonstrations.
Civil War
Saturday-Sunday, October 14-15: Reenactment of Battle of Bull Run-Manassas at Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek Battlefield, Middletown, Virginia (1 hour away)
Reenactment event on the Battle of Cedar Creek Battlefield to commemorate the 155th Anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run-Manassas.
Civil War
Saturday-Sunday, October 15-16: Battle of Bristoe Station Anniversary Weekend and Luminary
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, Bristow, Virginia
Join Battlefield Park staff for the 152nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station. Tour a Civil War encampment, watch artillery firing demonstrations, and tour the site of the third and final battle that took place in Prince William County. On Saturday evening, visit the battlefield for a rare treat to see over 2,000 luminary candles for every soldier who died at Bristoe Station.
Civil War
Saturday-Sunday, October 14-15: Reenactment of Battle of Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek Battlefield, Middletown, Virginia (1 hour away)
Reenactment event on the Battle of Cedar Creek Battlefield to commemorate the 152ndh Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek.
Civil War
Saturday, November 18: Gettysburg Remembrance Parade
Gettysburg, Virginia (1.5 hours away)
Annual event held in conjunction with the Gettysburg Address anniversary. The event honors the soldiers and civilians of the American Civil War with a parade featuring living history groups.
I like how you mentioned that people can try hands-on activities and actually see how battles took place at large reenactment events. People who like history and want to be entertained at the same time should consider going to these reenactments because they have professional historical impersonators and actors making it even more realistic. Thank you for this great advice on why people should go to historical reenactments.