Civil War re-enactment returns to Historic Zoar
While the Separatists who settled Zoar Village in 1817 were pacifists, about a dozen young men snuck away and joined the war effort because they also could not condone slavery. Fortunately they all returned home safely.
Historic Zoar Village will hold its biannual Civil War re-enactment on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While the Separatists who settled Zoar Village in 1817 were pacifists, about a dozen young men snuck away and joined the war effort because they also could not condone slavery. Fortunately they all returned home safely.
This year’s event has drawn approximately 400 re-enactors. Confederate forces will be led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Grahe, commander of the army of Northern Virginia, while Brig. Gen. Tim Bills, commander of the army of Ohio, will lead the Union army.
“We are excited to have these men commanding our troops,” said Darrell Markijohn, committee chair. “Both men are highly skilled and experienced event commanders.”
This year’s event will commemorate the 155th anniversary of Grant’s 1864 Overland Campaign. “We will re-enact the Battle of the Wilderness and the Battle of the Mule Shoe at Spotsylvania,” Markijohn said. “We will be using a dense forest for the Wilderness battle and will actually be constructing earthworks to replicate the Mule Shoe for the Spotsylvania battle.”
The event also has added new civilian features this year. Historic Zoar Village has teamed up with Camp Tuscazoar and the Buckeye Scout Council to offer BSA Scouts the opportunity to earn an American Heritage Merit Badge in just one weekend by participating in specific activities.
Other highlights of the event include the new Anvil Tavern, a 19th-century period tavern, museum tours, sutlers and food vendors. Spectators who wish to stay after hours on Saturday can enjoy a Civil War Ball and artillery night fire, included in the admission fee.
For more information call 330-874-3011 or find the event at www.facebook.com/historiczoarvillage.