Battle of Athens Reenactment

A reenactment of the Battle of Athens will be held at the historic site on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7. Festivities will begin both days with camps opening at 9 a.m., followed by a battle at 1 p.m. with activities running until 6 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Aug. 5, 1861, Civil War battle will be reenacted Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. In addition, there will be a traditional Civil War reenactment Saturday at 3 p.m. Reenactors will also perform drills and medical and civilian scenarios.

Free tours of the Thome-Benning House, also known as the Cannonball House, will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Artisans and sutlers will open daily at 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. A church service will also be held Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Other activities will include demonstrations and living history by sutlers, artisans, craftsmen and musicians. There will be food, crafts and memorabilia for sale. We ask that you please bring a lawn chair or blanket, as there is no seating on the battlefield.

This event is being sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Civil War Reenactors Association, and is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the historic site office at 660-877-3871.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES:

Saturday, Aug. 6:

• 9 a.m. – Camps open.
• 9-11 a.m. – Drill and musket issue.
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Museum and house tours.
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Food service.
• 1 p.m. – Battle of Athens reenactment.
• 2 p.m. – Medical and civilian scenarios.
• 2-4 p.m. – Museum and house tours.
• 3 p.m. – Traditional Civil War reenactment.

Sunday, Aug. 7:

• 9 a.m. – Camps open.
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Museum and house tours.
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Food service.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Artisans and sutlers open.
• 10:30 a.m. – Church service.
• 11 a.m. – Drill.
• 1 p.m. – Battle of Athens reenactment.
• 2-4 p.m. – Museum and house tours.