Civil War Days Returns to Duncans Mills

By Margie Wilson

One of the largest Civil War reenactments west of the Mississippi and the largest in Northern California is returning to Freezeout Canyon in the charming town of Duncans Mills, California, on the Russian River. On Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, CIVIL WAR DAYS, a two-day living history reenactment open to the public, gives visitors the opportunity to interact with the soldiers and civilians of the Civil War, getting a personal glimpse of the years 1861–1865 and a better understanding of the events that formed our country. The spirit and history of the American Civil War period will be portrayed by hundreds of reenactors for this annual fun, family-oriented event.

You are invited to walk among the reenactors, talk with them, ask them questions, and experience firsthand this very dynamic period in our history. These reenactors are passionate about American history and have worked hard to accurately portray and bring to life Union and Confederate soldiers, merchants, tradesmen, musicians, doctors, nurses, and townspeople caught up in this country’s struggle. This was the period of horse-drawn wagons, hoop skirts, lanterns, blacksmiths, and cannons. It is when differing views of American government, preservation of the Union, slavery, and states’ rights moved men to engage in a war that took more than 700,000 lives and redefined the future of our country. You can visit the camps of the Union and Confederacy and see how civilians lived and served with the armies of 1863 in what was referred to as the “first modern war”. This is not only an educational experience but an unforgettable one for all ages.

This 18th annual event is sponsored by the California Historical Artillery Society, a nonprofit educational corporation, and Casini Ranch Family Campground. CIVIL WAR DAYS brings together members of the National Civil War Association, the American Civil War Association, Reenactors of the American Civil War, and other groups from throughout the western United States. The twice-daily battles will fill the surrounding hills with the sound of fife and drum, musket and cannon as the American Civil War comes to life. Public hours are Saturday, July 16th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Battle times are 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Check out a great video about the event at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJX0VhRliDE

Directions from Highway 101: Take the River Road exit west past Guerneville to Duncans Mills, make a left on Moscow Road, a right on Freezeout Road, and follow the signs. On-site parking is available for $5 per car (cash only). Adult tickets are $12, kids 7–12 are $6, and children 6 and under are free. No bank cards are accepted on the day of the event. Pre-event discount tickets are only available at Good to Go Military in Cotati (7950 Redwood Drive, Suite 2).

For more information, contact the California Historical Artillery Society [CHAS] at 707-922-5901 or visit the event website at: www.civilwardays.net.