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Park Commission Press Releases

Civil War Army Invades Morristown During the Civil War Encampment Weekend at Historic Speedwell
MORRISTOWN, NJ. Step onto the battlefields of the American Civil War, the struggle that altered the political, social, and economic landscape of the nation, and into the lives of those involved at the Civil War Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24. The Second New Jersey Brigade is stationed at Historic Speedwell in Morristown for a unique two-day event that presents the lives of Civil War soldiers more vividly than dull text books. Admission for this event is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children ages 4 – 16, and children under 4 are FREE.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, the re-enactors lead activities throughout the eight-acre site, presenting the daily lives of soldiers and culminating with a staged skirmish. Soldiers’ camps are a recreation of daily life with authentic cooking, dress, and general setup. Most amazing is the massive period cannon! Watch musket, and artillery drills and firings. Marching drills include period instruments as soldiers proudly go into battle. A Civil War era Signal Corps group authentically demonstrates how important messages were sent between units using colorful flags to signal.

Activities include soldiers preparing for battle, and the basics of battlefield medicine for soldiers who suffered from battle-inflected injuries or disease. Visit the medical area where re-enactors care for the “wounded” and demonstrate how these emergency units functioned during battles. Around every corner there is something to discover.

While enjoying your visit to the past, tour Historic Speedwell, known as the “Birthplace of the Telegraph,” including the National Historic Landmark Factory Building. Recently, an interactive, hands-on exhibit on the telegraph opened to the public and received rave reviews. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit this unique and fun exhibit.

Tour the Vail Home, built more than 150 years ago. See exhibits on the Speedwell Ironworks, a Granary full of early farm implements, and watch the enormous 24-foot overshot waterwheel turn in the Wheelhouse. A trip to Historic Speedwell would not be complete without a visit to the Gift Shop to select a unique souvenir to take home. Light picnic fare is also available for purchase. For more information, please call 973-285-6550. FREE parking and FREE shuttle service available.

Contact:
Lois Wnek, Marketing & Communications,
B: 973-326-7618, LWnek@morrisparks.net
Mark Sutherland, Historic Speedwell
B: 973-326-7616, MSutherland@morrisparks.net


The Morris County Park Commission, the largest park system in the state of New Jersey, currently protects and maintains 18,500 acres at 38 distinct sites and a year-round calendar of events and activities.