Sesquicentennial Observances coming to Farmville, State Parks

Battle of Sailor’s Creek

The year 2015 marks 150 years passed since the end of the American Civil War. An unprecedented cooperation between Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, the relatively new High Bridge Trails State Park and the Town of Farmville has made possible the creation of a weekend of commemorative, historical observances and events that are befitting remembrances of that defining moment in America’s history.

On Saturday, March 28th, at Sailor’s Creek Historical Battlefield Park,  a US Generals ACW Commemorative Ceremony will take place, with speeches given by living historians depicting US Generals and a wreath will be laid at the  commemorative monument.

Also on Saturday, the rolling hills that make up the historical Battlefield at Sailor’s Creek will once again come alive with the sound and smoke of black powder musket fire and roar of artillery as the final major battle of the War is reenacted. The battle plan, meticulously laid out by Civil War historian, author and Chief Park Ranger Chris Calkins, will closely follow the turn of events on April 6, 1865. It is sure to be a learning experience for all! Spectators are invited to come and observe the action unfold as Union and Confederate living history units engage as they did that fateful day. The public is encouraged to tour the Park; indeed, step back in time, as they take guided tours through the Overton-Hillsman House. The painstakingly restored 1780’s farmhouse, looking very much today as it did the day of the battle, was commandeered and used as a field hospital to treat and care for the men that were wounded in the battle that raged on just outside. The public is also welcome to walk the Park, or enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying a picnic. The Visitor’s Center will be open for all to tour the many exhibits filled with hundreds of relics. They can listen and learn of the battle with the use of interactive exhibits and perhaps, for a moment, pause to reflect and imagine life in those times as our country struggled through the pain of a nation divided.

Farmville and High Bridge

On Saturday and Sunday, the Town of Farmville will for the first time put on a Civil War living history of its own at Riverside Park, just below the Green Front warehouses. The combined efforts of the Town of Farmville, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Partnership, the Department of Tourism and the State Parks have created a weekend in the town that has something to offer everyone.

Sunday morning, activities will begin at the sound of a bugle as the camps open to the public. Life, as it was lived 150 ago, will be depicted in the camps as soldiers answer call to muster and begin the daily routines of military forces of that period. Cannon will be fired by period artillery groups in demonstrations throughout the day. Also in the morning, there will be an interpretation of the skirmishes at High Bridge by a renowned author and historian. His detailed monologue will take visitors back in time to the race for control of the bridge by both US and Confederate forces.

Farmville will indeed open its doors wide to the public. The entire town is preparing for this event! Walking tours guided by knowledgeable, period dressed interpreters will leave every 15 minutes throughout the day to explore the historic town that served not only as the site of a 1200- bed hospital during the war, but was the location of General Lee’s last valiant effort to gain much needed food and provisions for his near starved army as they fled the ever tightening grip of the Union army as it closed around them. Walking tours will also leave for High Bridge, and the Earthworks built by the Confederate army to protect the precious railway. Both Generals Lee and Grant will be represented at the living history and both will be on hand to answer questions and give interpretive accounts of the War. Additionally, extensive private collections created and owned by local residents will be on display to the public for the weekend.

Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the historic downtown district, peruse the many antique, clothing and collectibles shops and cafes that line both sides of the street. A visit to the large old tobacco warehouses that are now Green Front Furniture is a must on the list!  Historic Longwood University is also located in Farmville. Much of the architecture standing at Longwood mimics the period of the War. The institution of higher learning began as a college for women. Today, it records an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 5,000 young women and men.

Just south of Longwood University is one of the most important locations in our nation’s long but determined fight for racial equality. Robert Russa Moton Museum, currently under expansion, still stands to this day as a landmark on the road to what would become the life changing Supreme Court case; Brown v. Board of Education, and the eventual security of an equal education to all citizens.

The public is warmly invited to experience everything Farmville has to offer! For more information on what promises to be a one of a kind experience in what has come to be known as the Heart of Virginia, visit http://co.prince-edward.va.us/travel_LastStand.shtml.