Travel back in time at the upcoming Civil War Living History Day

Sierra Marling, Richmond Register, Ky.
·3 min read

Apr. 17—Civil War Living History Day will return to Richmond Battlefield Park on Saturday, April 27, following a COVID-related hiatus.

Battle of Richmond Curator Phillip Seyfrit said that, prior to COVID, the event was quite popular, drawing in crowds from the community and local schools.

The event, which is not a Battle of Richmond reenactment, will show guests what daily life was like for those living during the American Civil War period in 1860s Kentucky.

According to Seyfrit, the event aims to help people learn about history in an interactive and engaging way, even allowing them to experience historical activities like cooking and weaving.

While people won't be subjected to horseback riding and walking long distances, Seyfrit noted there is an important lesson in immersion.

"It's a way to travel back in history," the curator said. "We really can't do it exactly like they did, but we can get about as close as you're going to be able to. It just gives people a little bit of a snippet of what life has been like, for a day or so during the American Civil War in Kentucky."

However, those who come by will also have the opportunity to experience the "School of the Soldier" program, which will be brought by the noted Civil War reenactor group, the Western Federal Blues.

Seyfrit says that this will give patrons an idea, not only of how soldiers were trained but also of how they spent their days.

"You can't just get fellows together and line them up and expect them to get from A to B in an orderly fashion. They just don't expect somebody who'd never held a weapon before to know how to load it. This will teach you how they did that," he explained.

Soldiers at the time fought in the Battle of Richmond on August 29 & 30, 1862, pitting seasoned Confederates against a raw Union force.

"Confederates were able to outmaneuver the green Federals, resulting in nearly all of the boys in blue being killed, wounded, or captured. The Battle of Richmond was one of the most complete victories one side had over the other during the entire Civil War," said Seyfrit.

The curator added that, a distinct lack of Internet and cell phones made for a very different way to pass the time for soldiers of the time and communicate with their loved ones in times of conflict.

In addition to the ongoing demonstrations, the ca. 1824 Pleasant View home will also be open for tours.

History buffs can tour the preserved home, which was occupied by the Kavanaugh Armstrong family during the Battle of Richmond and served as a hospital for an extended period of time afterward.

According to Seyfrit, there is no admission fee for the event However, the Battle of Richmond Association would appreciate donations of individually wrapped Lifesavers candies for the "Be a Battle of Richmond Lifesaver" campaign.

Civil War Living History Day will open to the public at Richmond Battlefield Park on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Richmond Battlefield Park is located at 1564 Battlefield Memorial Highway (US 421), just south of Richmond.

For more information about this event, please call 859-248-1974 or 859-200-0433. Feel free to leave a message.