Learn about the army life of the Civil War soldier with reenactors from the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Co. D, on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Fort Ward Museum. This free program will be held from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
Activities will begin at 10 a.m. with a roll call and inspection of troops. Special features of the day’s schedule include firing demonstrations at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m., a noon meal in camp where army rations will be discussed, a knapsack inspection, and a discussion of the soldier’s uniform.
The 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry was the first state unit to be formed in response to President Abraham Lincoln’s call for 75,000 troops in April 1861. The regiment participated in many major engagements from First Bull Run to Appomattox, but is best known for fighting with distinction at Gettysburg where it lost 80 percent of its men. After serving in New York City to enforce the draft, the unit was briefly stationed in Alexandria in September 1863 before being dispatched to the Virginia front.
Members of the re-created 1st Minnesota, Co. D are dedicated to the authentic portrayal of the life of the Civil War soldier, and educating the public about the role of this well known Union regiment in the Civil War.
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road in Alexandria. It was the fifth largest installation within the extensive network of forts known as the Defenses of Washington, which was built to protect the Federal capital during the Civil War.
For more information, please call Fort Ward Museum at 703.746.4848 or visit www.fortward.org.