If you’ve been meaning to get out to Ushers Ferry Historic Village to see the Civil War Re-enactment—this is your year to make the trip because it is the last year that the event will be held.  “We have certainly enjoyed working with the re-enactors over the years, and plan to have a great “Going Away” weekend on September 16 & 17. said, Vicki Hughes, Director of Ushers Ferry Historic Village.

Ushers Ferry Historic Village, which depicts life in a small Iowa town between the years of 1890 and 1910, has long invited visitors to “take a step back in time.” On September 16^th and 17th, the convergence of some 300 living history enthusiasts upon the Village will allow for an even longer stride into the past …all the way back to the days of the Civil War.

The normally tranquil town bustles with a garrison-sized encampment of artillery, infantry, cavalry, medical corps and sutlers that spread across the length and breadth of the Village. Wherever one turns, they are likely to find a slice of 1860’s life: military drills, a Civil War field hospital, or a camp cook preparing a meal for soldiers over an open fire, are just a few of the possibilities one may discover while strolling through the town and camps. –One might even encounter President Lincoln himself.

The main attractions, of course, are the battles. Like many of the bloody engagements that erupted between the North and the South the battle (held Saturday at three o’clock and Sunday at two-thirty p.m.) takes place in a near by open field along a path leading into the Village. Amidst the roar of the cannon, the crack of the rifles and the thundering of horses’ hooves, spectators can observe the various branches of the Civil War era military in action and see how they worked together under fire.

Though the event places heavy emphasis upon the military aspects of the Civil War, the Village setting also provides a unique opportunity to view the impact of war upon the tiny Iowa communities that gave so many men to the Union cause. The Village Main Street abounds with activities. The 24^th Iowa Infantry will sponsor a Civil War Scavenger Hunt at their recruitment tent. The Marengo Civil War Band will perform popular music from the era at 11:00 and 1:30 on Saturday. Musician and local Dubuque radio personality, Bob Welch, will perform Civil War music from the Gazebo at 12:00 and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Abraham Lincoln impersonator, Lance Mack will be on hand to deliver a few of the President’s most famous speeches. Finally, the ever-popular Ladies Aid Society Pie Auction will be on the auction block at 12:45 PM Saturday to offer serious bidders a true taste of history.

Nightfall offers a truly special experience with the Civil War Candlelight Tour, sponsored by the Ushers Ferry Parlour Theater troupe. Guests gather in one of the Village buildings for coffee and dessert by candlelight as they enjoy a private audience with President Lincoln. Following the hour-long presentation, guests are invited to stay for the military ball, which will be held at the Village pavilion for a night of music and dancing. Tickets for the candlelight tour are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children. To make reservations or receive more information, contact the Ushers Ferry office at (319) 286-5763

Admission to the re-enactment is $5.00 per adult, children 5-14 $2.00, with children under five free. Ushers Ferry is easily accessible from I-380 in Cedar Rapids by exiting at the 42nd Street exit, turn west past Edgewood Road to Seminole Valley Road and follow the signs from there.