Please join the as we celebrate the 151st Anniversary of the Civil War on Saturday, July 21 from 10 to 3 p.m. with a Civil War Encampment Day at the Bradley-Hubbell House located at 535 Black Rock Turnpike in Easton.
Soldiers and civilian re-enactors from Company F of the 14th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, a not-for-profit, living history and preservation organization will portray the original 14th CVI’s daily life and activities.
Of all the regiments Connecticut sent to the Union armies in the Civil War, the most famous was the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. The regiment marched and fought with Lincoln’s Army, the Army of the Potomac and participated in 34 battles and skirmishes. The 14th Connecticut lost more men killed in battle, in proportion to its size, and captured more prisoners, cannon and battle flags than any other Connecticut regiment.
The re-enactment will provide a glimpse into the daily life of the 14th CVI starting with a military drill and firing demonstrations, preparation for the noon meal on an open fire pit as well as a presentation of camp skills such as rifle loading, knapsack and blanket rolling. Civilian women will present how the home front helped the North win the war and demonstrate medical care and family life during the conflict. Additionally, period children’s games will run throughout the day.
Music of the period will be highlighted at 1 p.m. with vocal pieces led by Jen Eastman–Lawrence that depict the popular mood and sentiment of the antebellum, war-time and post-Civil War periods. Following the musical performance, a brief discussion about the origins of modern baseball from its roots in the venerable folk game of town ball will be led by Jeff Lawrence. “The Massachusetts Game," one variant codified in 1858, will be demonstrated on the Bradley-Hubbell grounds and open to public participation.
A popular misconception of the Civil War is that it was fought exclusively by white Anglo-Saxons, but many ethnic groups took part in this great struggle. However, few people are aware that the Chinese were among them and the highest ranking of those, Joseph Pierce, fought with the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Irving Moy will present a program about Pierce’s Civil War experience along with Gary Horton, retired teacher and historian.
Come and join the Historical Society of Easton and Company F 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry on Saturday, July 21 and learn how soldiers and civilians lived during this critical era in American history.
Company F is unique in offering both the military and civilian aspects of the Civil War Era. For more information about them visit their website.
Admission to the day-long event is $5 per person.
The program’s sponsor, The Historical Society of Easton manages two historic properties: the Adams Schoolhouse (c. 1850) and the Bradley-Hubbell House and Farmstead (c. 1816) listed on the National Register. For more information call the society at (203) 261-2090, email: hseastonct@gmail.com or visit the website.
