20th Annual CIVIL WAR DAYS

CIVIL WAR DAYS RETURNS TO DUNCANS MILLS . . . CELEBRATING OUR 20th YEAR!

* family and kid friendly / outdoors / annual fundraiser * One of the largest Civil War reenactments west of the Mississippi and the largest in Northern California is returning to Freezeout Canyon in the charming town of Duncans Mills, California, on the Russian River.

On Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, CIVIL WAR DAYS, a two-day living history reenactment open to the public, gives visitors the opportunity to interact with the soldiers and civilians of the Civil War, getting a personal glimpse of the years 1861–1865 and a better understanding of the events that formed our country. The spirit and history of the American Civil War period will be portrayed by hundreds of reenactors for this annual fun, family-oriented event. You are invited to walk among the reenactors, talk with them, ask them questions, and experience firsthand this very dynamic period in our history. These reenactors are passionate about American history and have worked hard to accurately portray and bring to life Union and Confederate soldiers, merchants, tradesmen, musicians, doctors, nurses, and townspeople caught up in this country’s struggle. This was the period of horse-drawn wagons, hoop skirts, lanterns, blacksmiths, and cannons. It is when differing views of American government, preservation of the Union, slavery, and states’ rights moved men to engage in a war that took more than 700,000 lives and redefined the future of our country. You can visit the camps of the Union and Confederacy and see how civilians lived and served with the armies of 1863 in what was referred to as the “first modern war”. This is an unforgettable, educational experience for all ages.

This 20th annual event is sponsored by the California Historical Artillery Society, a nonprofit educational corporation, and Casini Ranch Family Campground. It is a fundraiser for CHAS’ retired racehorse rescue program. CIVIL WAR DAYS brings together members of the National Civil War Association, the American Civil War Association, Reenactors of the American Civil War, and other groups from throughout the western United States. The twice-daily battles—always new each year—will fill the surrounding hills with the sound of fife and drum, musket and cannon as the American Civil War comes to life.

Public hours are Saturday, July 20th, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 21st, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Battle times are 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Check out a great video about the event at: https://youtu.be/2TAbs_fukAU

Directions from Highway 101: GPS DOES NOT WORK! Take the River Road exit west past Guerneville to Duncans Mills, make a left onto Moscow Road, a right onto Freezeout Road, following the signs.

On-site parking is available for $5 per car (cash only). Adult tickets are $12, kids 7–12 are $6, and children 6 and under are free. No bank cards are accepted on the day of the event.

For more information, contact the California Historical Artillery Society [CHAS] at 707-922-5901 or visit the event website at: http://www.civilwardays.net.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Civil-War-Days-Duncans-Mills-148190895195514/ This is the sole annual fundraiser for this local Sonoma County 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.