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Civil War Period Is Focus
Of July 11-12 Event Here

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, the Civil War returns to Ste. Genevieve.

“It was a really fascinating time,” says Gary Scheel, commander of the Lt. Col. J. Felix St. James Camp #326, the organization that is mounting a July 11-12 re-enactment of what life was like in the 1860s at a Union camp.

While many of the participants are expected to camp at the site on Friday night, scheduled activities begin at about 9 a.m. Saturday, with a demonstration of infantry capabilities––including how foot soldiers attacked cannon. A cavalry drill is scheduled at 10 a.m., with saber-fighting drill, firing maneuvers and horse movements. Cannons will be loaded and fired at least once each day.

The re-enactment will take place at the Moses Austin Park (S. Main and Front streets), on a privately owned adjacent property, and possibly on a property provided by the city to the Ste. Genevieve French Milice.

Participation by several re-enactment groups is expected, including the 5th Missouri Cavalry, 9th Missouri Sharpshooters and Cape Girardeau Artillery unit. A Civil War sutler will be selling items related to the war period.

“Some of what happens will depend on the weather,” Scheel said. “But we can pretty much guarantee that this will be an exciting weekend for everyone who has any interest in the Civil War.”

SEE MORE ON THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD IN STE. GENEVIEVE IN THE JULY 1 HARDCOPY EDITION OF THE HERALD