Fairfax Civil War Day 2014 on Saturday at Historic Blenheim Estate

Provided, City of Fairfax: 

Experience American Civil War camp life and weapon-firing demonstrations during Fairfax Civil War Day to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 at the Historic Blenheim Estate, 3610 Old Lee Highway. The event continues the city’s commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.

Fairfax Civil War Day features re-enactors and activities, including all-day demonstrations on blacksmithing with an 1862 traveling forge, railroads, medicine, slave life and soldier research. 

Special guests will portray historical figures, including General and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Clara Barton, Colonel John S. Mosby, General James Longstreet and a “Yankee Schoolmarm.”

Scheduled talks include a variety of Civil War topics, and a highlight this year is an exhibit on famous German-American caricaturists Thomas Nast and Adalbert Volck in the award-winning Civil War Interpretive Center.

Other activities include firing demonstrations of a Howitzer cannon artillery gun as well as youth activities, such as “boot camps” for kids, author/vendor tents and more.  Enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy wagon rides through soldier camps, period music by Home Front and period dancing.

Also, guided tours of the first floor of the Blenheim house and its famous soldier graffiti will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. that day. The Blenheim house (c. 1859) and surrounding 12 acres were purchased by the City of Fairfax in 1999.

Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child age 12 and younger.  Proceeds benefit the restoration of the Historic Blenheim Estate. Free parking and shuttle service, including handicapped access, are provided at Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run.

This event is produced by the City of Fairfax; Historic Fairfax City Inc.; and the 17th Virginia Infantry, Company D “Fairfax Rifles.” For information — including directions, parking, and a complete event schedule — visit www.fairfaxva.gov or call 703-591-0560.