Fairfield, Pa. to host Civil War Days, May 4-6
Civil War came through town after the Battle of Gettysburg
(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 5/1/2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ...
CONTACT:
Jack Inskip
Fairfield Sesquicentennial Committee
(717) 642-8549
[email protected]
The second annual Civil War Days will be held May 4-6 in historic Fairfield, Pa., just miles from the epic battlefield in Gettysburg. This event – hosted by the Fairfield Sesquicentennial Committee – commemorates the pivotal events that occurred in the village during the Civil War, including the cavalry Battle of Fairfield in July 1863.
Civil War Days will include presentations, demonstrations, musical performances and a historic house tour that features both Civil War-era homes and buildings in Fairfield.
Highlighting the weekend will be a cavalry battle re-enactment on Landis Field behind St. John Lutheran Church, 13 E. Main St. The re-enactment will include cannons and cavalry.
Fairfield was the scene of battle following the retreat from Gettysburg on July 3, 1863. Confederate soldiers successfully defended a Union assault and thus freed the Hagerstown Road for Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s retreat from Gettysburg on July 5. Buildings throughout Fairfield were used as field hospitals and two men received the Medal of Honor for their actions in the engagement.
Speakers will host talks on the cavalry skirmish in nearby Monterey, Lee’s retreat from Gettysburg and the Battle of Fairfield itself. Saturday evening will include a performance and sing-a-long by the South Carolina String Band.
Throughout the weekend, an encampment will be set up in the rear of the Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 E. Main. St., which will be offering its ham and bean soup. Hauser Estate Winery and Reid’s Orchard & Winery will be on hand to offer wine tastings. On May 5, a “Taste of History” will be held at 2 p.m. and include old fashioned chicken and biscuits and desserts from the Civil War era.
Fairfield first held its Civil War days as part of the 150th Anniversary Commemoration kick-off events in April 2011. Events were also held that month in Greencastle, Chambersburg and Gettysburg.
Fairfield is located eight miles west of Gettysburg on Route 116. For more information, call (717) 642-8549, email [email protected] or visit www.fairfieldreenactment.com.
VisitPA.com
