Civil War Days

On May 19 and 20, Friends of Camp Geiger will sponsor its 10th Lehigh Valley Civil War Days at the recreational area of Whitehall Parkway, Church Street. The event opens 9 a.m. Saturday.

Jackson’s flank attack at Chancellorsville, Va., which took place in May 1863, will be featured (the only known re-enactment of the Chancellorsville battle to take place this year). Jackson’s assault on the Union 11th Corps, in particular Northampton County’s own 153rd PA regiment, forced the U.S. Army of the Potomac to retreat. The local re-enacting group that portrays the 153rd PA Volunteers will be featured in this battle. The battle will be re-enacted 3 p.m. Saturday. A battlefield lecture by Jeffrey Stocker, author of “We Fought Desperate: A History of the 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment” will precede the battle.

At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, a period dance and concert will be held at the Lyceum. Weather permitting, a rifle-firing demonstration is planned for after the concert. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site.

On Sunday, a re-enactment of the battle of the Mule Shoe at Spotsylvania will take place 11 a.m. Trench battles demonstrating the changing face of war will also be held each day, along with behind-the-scenes tours of the trenches during breaks in the fighting.

Military camps, a field hospital, displays on the U.S. Sanitary Commission, Victorian parlor pastimes, children’s games and a recruitment center will be among the offerings held daily. Lectures, a Victorian fashion show and period music will be offered at the Lyceum. The event closes 1 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is free for spectators. Donations to benefit Civil War battlefield preservation will be accepted but not required for entrance to the festivities.

Everyone in the Lehigh Valley is invited to attend.

Please do not wear period attire or bring weapons to the event unless you are a registered participant.

For information and directions, visit friendsofcampgeiger.webs.com or call Neil Coddington at 610-837-7403.