Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will observe the 153rd Anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek over the weekend of August 9 and 10, 2014, with a variety of programs and activities.
On Sunday, August 10, at 2:00 p.m., at the Visitor Center, the anniversary program will start with a presentation of colors, recognition of guests, and a special presentation by the battlefield’s Foundation. “The main speaker,” according to Superintendent Hillmer, “will be author James W. Erwin. He will talk about his books and the importance of preserving these special places and educating the next generation about their important history.”
“Come and enjoy this special presentation by a Missouri author,” says Superintendent Hillmer. Refreshments will be served and entrance fees for August 9 &10 will be waived.
Artillery and infantry small arms firing demonstrations are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, at tour road stop 5. Volunteers will be depicting the Missouri State Guard, pro-Southern state militia that fought at Wilson’s Creek. “The purpose of these programs is to relate to visitors the soldier’s combat experience during the battle,” remarked Chief Park Ranger John Sutton. A special sunset artillery salute will take place at 8:15 p.m. at tour road stop 5 to honor the soldiers who were killed during the battle of Wilson’s Creek.
Guided tours of Bloody Hill will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Visitors should meet at the Bloody Hill parking area for the tour, which should last about an hour. An exhibit on Civil War prisoners and full scale prints of the new exhibits will be available for viewing at the visitor’s center.
