MARIPOSA – Do you love the smell of gunpowder in the morning?
If so, please note: the Las Mariposas Civil War Group, in partnership with the American Civil War Association, invites the community to attend an authentic period weekend of living history this Saturday and Sunday, Apr. 12 and 13 just north of Mariposa.
Prior to the weekend public event, on Friday, Apr. 11, the Las Mariposas Civil War Group hosts a free educational day for some 400 area 4th and 5th grade students whose schools have pre-arranged the field trip. Sierra Telephone is sponsoring bus transportation for participating schools. All of the re-enactors are volunteers, and besides the stunning landscape and incomparable views, their compensation traditionally includes a free meal courtesy of Pioneer Market, once the kids leave on Friday. Reservations are full for that day.
Public events commence at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, and include two daytime battles and a twilight skirmish, a walking tour of the vast encampment, plus a dance and dessert social.
On Sunday, church services start at 9:30 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. Easter egg hunt and games, with the final battle at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate for $7 per person 18 and older, or $5 for under 18. Children under the age of two are free.
Overall, the carefully orchestrated event commemorates Civil War figure John C. Fremont and the location of his 44,386 acre Las Mariposas Land Grant. The program is currently in its 8th year and will attract hundreds of dedicated re-enactors, including soldiers, cavalry, doctors, nurses, and possibly even one embalmer.
Former Mariposa County Supervisor Dianne Fritz has been involved with the current Civil War days reenactment weekend since it began with “a group of people and a couple of dogs in the back of a pick-up truck,” driving the historic property with visions of the past and future co-mingling in their heads.
The event has now grown into one of the most popular and well-attended occasions of its kind in the state.
“We have a silversmith, a baker, and even Stonewall Jackson,” says Fritz, who is head of the committee that oversees and organizes the Civil War reenactments on the land grant property now owned by Frank Long. “We have sutlers, horses, and cannons. You can’t see anything from the 20th or 21st centuries from that property, or on the people who come to participate. No watches, no aircraft, no telephone or power poles. You will see some amazing things. It’s been a highlight of my life being the event chair and sponsor, and to see the Civil War Days grow and blossom into what it is today.”
Organizers suggest visitors tour the military and civilian camps before and between battles, in order to “glimpse life during the era, watch demonstrations and view exhibits.” Camps close 30 minutes prior to battles. Following is the complete schedule for Saturday and Sunday, subject to change.
For more information and directions, visit the Las Mariposas Civil War Group website.
SATURDAY
9:30 am
Event Opens
All Vendors & Sutlers open
Military Camps open
Brigade Inspection (Military Camps)
10:00 am
Brigade Drills (Military Camps)
Kids Activity: Write a letter to a soldier (Longville-All Day)
10:30 am
Historical Presentations (Longville)
Civilian Demonstrations (Longville)
11:30 am
Military Camps Closed to the Public
12:00 pm
FIRST BATTLE
President Lincoln: Gettysburg Address,
Following the Battle (Battlefield)
1:00 pm
Civil War Fashion Show (Longville)
Civilian Demonstrations (Longville)
2:30 pm
Military Camps Closed to the Public
3:00 pm
SECOND BATTLE
President Lincoln: Gettysburg Address,
Following the Battle (Battlefield)
4:00 pm
Historical Presentations (Longville)
Civilian Demonstrations (Longville)
5:30 pm
Guided Camp Tours Meet at Longville
6:30 pm
Military Camps Closed to the Public
7:00 pm
TWIGHLIGHT BATTLE
8:00 pm
Dessert Social & Dance (Longville)
Camps Closed to the Public
10:00 pm
Site Closes to Public
SUNDAY
9:30 am
Event Opens
All Vendors & Sutlers open
Military Camps open
Church Service (Longville)
10:00 am
Brigade Drills (Military Camps)
Kids Activity: Write a letter to a soldier (Longville-All Day)
10:30 am
Historical Presentations (Longville)
Civilian Demonstrations (Longville)
11:00 am
Easter Egg Hunt (Longville)
12:30 pm
Military Camps Closed to the Public
1:00 pm
FIRST BATTLE
President Lincoln: Gettysburg Address,
Following the Battle (Battlefield)
2:30 pm
Event Ends. Site Closed to Public
3:00 pm
Vehicles Allowed in Camps
No ice chests are allowed. No pets or alcohol allowed.
Do not cross the Battlefield at any time.
Please stay behind the rope line barrier.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The Las Mariposas Civil War Group is a registered 501c3 nonprofit, volunteer organization, made up of a group of local Mariposa County citizens. Working in partnership with the American Civil War Association (ACWA) they are dedicated to the education of the public about the people and events of the American Civil War. The organizations present living history for the public, including military and civilian encampments, battle reenactments, lectures and demonstrations, and school programs. All food vendors for this event are nonprofit in nature, donating their profits to charitable groups.
