Civil War Encampment Returning to James A. Garfield National Historic Site

will host its second annual Civil War encampment Sept. 10 and 11.

Nearly 100 Union, Confederate, and civilian reenactors will be on
site to demonstrate Civil War-era drill and ceremonies, weapons proficiency, battle tactics, camp life and more. And it will all occur outside of the home of President James A. Garfield, who was a Union major general during the Civil War.

The reenactment will include both soldiers and sutlers, which are civilian merchants who sell to encamped troops.

The event will feature Civil War weaponry and firing demonstrations each afternoon, appearances by “Abraham Lincoln” and “Col. James Garfield,” as well as a reproduction Gatling gun on display.

The park is free and open to the public both days. The encampment and Civil War activities are open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Area reenactment units participating will include: the 7th and 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry; the 1st Louisiana Tigers; Company A, 5th Texas; the 28th Alabama; the 5th United States Colored Troops; and the 7th Tennessee Dismounted Cavalry.

Civilian sutlers will include: Elizabeth Ann II Sutlery; Greene Leather and Fur; Jerome Civil War Photography; and Flying Turtle Tavern and Mercantile. Sutlers will have a number of different items for sale.

“The nation is currently commemorating the Civil War’s 150th anniversary,” said Sherda Williams, the site's superintendent. “This event allows us to educate the public about James A. Garfield’s Civil War service as well as contribute to the ongoing conversation about the meaning and legacy of the war."

Visitors to the encampment may also be interested in seeing the battle of Middle Creek diorama displayed in the visitor center lobby. The diorama was constructed by Bert Floyd of Victory Miniatures and will be available to see through Sept. 30. Another display in the visitor center lobby focuses on the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the regiment Garfield helped organize and eventually commanded. This exhibit will be available to view throughout the encampment weekend and includes 42nd Ohio reunion ribbons, artwork, and more.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site has limited space for parking, so people are asked to park at the Mentor Medical Building, 8224 Mentor Avenue, just a few blocks east of the park. A free shuttle will transport guests to and from the park.

On Saturday, visitors can also park next door to the site at the . However, they cannot park there Sunday.