ST. FRANCISVILLE – Those with interest in Louisiana’s Civil War past are invited to Audubon State Historic Site for a Civil War Living History program on Saturday Jan. 23.
Civil War reenactors dressed in authentic reproduction costumes of the armies of both North and South will be on hand to present a look at life in Civil War Louisiana. The day’s demonstrations, starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., will include drills, black powder weapon demonstrations, open hearth cooking, costume talks, camp life, and more. There will be a small scale reenactment of the 1863 Battle of Plains Store, the battle that led to the Siege of Port Hudson, the longest siege in American History.
Schedule of activities for our Jan. 23rd Civil War event
10:00 AM Infantry drill demonstration
10:30 Bath Salt and Potpourri class
11:00 Cavalry Drill Demonstration
12:00 Cannon Drill Demonstration
12:30 Military uniform and Weapon demonstration
1:00 Childrens Games of the 1800's
2:00 Skirmish: The Battle of Plains Store- Prelude to Port Hudson
3:00 Medical Demostration
3:30 Ladies Clothing talk
Ongoing: Tours of Oakley House on the hour, Open hearth cooking in the plantation kitchen, and blacksmithing demonstrations.
"Living History programs such as these give visitors a glimpse of the states rich cultural past. We encourage those visiting to learn the rest of the story of the Civil War in the Felicianas by visiting Port Hudson State Historic Site, only a few miles south of Audubon. “ said John House, site manager.
Audubon SHS is the setting for the 200-year-old Oakley House, temporary home and inspiration to John James Audubon in the 1800s. The park includes a museum, picnic areas, Historic buildings, pavilion, and nature trail. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, Oakley House and its lush natural settings are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
The $2 adult admission to Audubon SHS includes the site video history presentation, the plantation house tour and all special programs. Children (12 and under) and senior citizens (62 and older) are admitted free. Audubon SHS is located 30 minutes north of Baton Rouge near St. Francisville on La. 965 in West Feliciana Parish.
For more information, call 1-888-677-2838 toll free or 635-3739 in the St. Francisville area.