WILTON - Grant Cottage is hosting an exciting and educational Civil War encampment on Sunday, October 11, from 12 to 4 p.m. Mt. McGregor, the highest point in Saratoga County and where Grant Cottage is located, is the perfect place to see the fall foliage and enjoy a picnic lunch, all while learning about history.
Set up to look like a real Civil War camp, Grant Cottage will take visitors 150 years into the past. One of the most inventive features of the day is the “press conference” with 11 Union Generals. Visitors will have the opportunity to question the generals about their strategy and tactics in famous Civil War battles. Professional re-enactors in their Civil War regalia will portray generals Sheridan, Chamberlain, Sherman, U.S. Grant, and many others about the “what ifs” of their battles.
Kids can learn about Morse code on a real telegraph key and can play with Civil War era toys. Visitors can also talk with America’s first nurse, Clara Barton. Live music will be provided by “Iron Jacks” and “Run the River.”
Civil War book authors will share their multiple points of view on battles. One of the authors is Chris Mackowski, who recently wrote the book, “Grant’s Last Battle: The Story behind the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant.” Mackowski is a writing professor at St. Bonaventure University and has authored more than a dozen books. Mackowski’s familiarity with the former president as a general and as a writer brings “Grant’s Last Battle” to life with new insight, told with engaging prose. Mackowski’s book signing and presentation will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At the encampment, there will be firings of black powder rifled muskets at the Overlook, as well as a demonstration of an 1885 train whistle. A Sutler’s Tent will be set up, so guests can see what the civilian merchants sold to soldiers in the field.
Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or eat at the Hard Tack Café.
Admission is $10 per person, free for kids ten and younger.
For tickets or more information, visit GrantCottage.org or call 519-584-4353
