Civil War reenactors camp at the Manhattan Township History Museum

At the event on Saturday, July 6, performers in period uniforms will set up camp behind the museum.

July 2, 2024, 1:21 p.m. CDT | Updated July 2, 2024, 1:23 p.m. CDT

MANHATTAN, IL — For anyone interested in Civil War history, a special opportunity awaits on Saturday, July 6.

The Manhattan Township Historical Society hosts an outdoor Cypress Company Living History event at the Manhattan History Museum (255 S. State St.), featuring Civil War reenactors depicting life in a camp.

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“If you are interested in the American Civil War and want to experience what it was like to be in a Union-occupied camp in 1863, this is an event you won’t want to miss,” said the Manhattan Township Historical Society.

A garrison camp is often a camp of several months’ duration where soldiers await marching orders, the society explained. Generally, these camps were located near a town from which supplies could be obtained. The camps housed a mix of military personnel and local civilian personnel. There were military marching and drill activities, as well as personal recreational activities such as letter writing, board games, and field games. Many of the tent accommodations were quite elaborate, furnished with tables, chairs, and other amenities. Often, such camps were attacked by small enemy groups, and skirmishes broke out.

— Manhattan Township Historical Society

Cypress Company is an informal group of independent performers who are members of various reenactment units and meet for living history events, according to the company. They will appear in period uniforms and set up camp behind the museum grounds near the staff car.

Manhattan’s 100th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment (the historic Will County Regiment) will set up a small tented area with a typical camp displaying food rations, weapons, and typical infantryman’s personal equipment. There will be regular infantry drills demonstrating marching, weapons handling, and real musket firing.

“The ‘lads’ are a friendly bunch and have been known to persuade willing members of the public to join in and try their hand at drills and marching with the troops,” the club said. “The performers generally try to stay ‘in character’ and portray soldiers from the 1860s, but they are happy to break out of character to answer any questions you may have.”

The event begins at 10am, with musket firing at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Infantry drills will take place at 1pm. The event is free and will be interactive, educational and fun.

Admission to the museum is free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to view the indoor exhibitions.