The Last Winter of the War

On Saturday, November 8, Richmond National Battlefield Park invites the public to participate in the activities of election day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas of 1864. “The Last Winter of the Civil War” will include park ranger-led tours, education activities, a living history Civil
War camp, and historic holiday music with guitar, harmonica, and fiddle, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fort Harrison visitor center, located at 8761 Battlefield Park Road, Richmond VA 23231.

Winter in a Civil War camp was full of activity, with opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and even celebration. Election day, the brand-new federal holiday of Thanksgiving, and Christmas traditions raised spirits in military camps as the sounds of battle were replaced by the sound of music. After three years of suffering, the winter of 1864 brought renewed hope that the end was in sight.

The schedule for the event on Saturday, November 8 is as follows:

10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Living history encampment and education activities trailer open,
                                      Fort Harrison visitor center will be open for the event.
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 15-minute orientation talks offered every half hour.
11:00 a.m. “Simple Gifts: Sharing Music in a Civil War Camp,” interactive music program.
                                       Come ready to sing!
1:00 p.m. “The Final Few Months,” guided walking tour of Fort Harrison/Fort Burnham.
2:00 p.m. “Simple Gifts: Sharing Music in a Civil War Camp,” encore presentation.