Over 100 re-enactors will soon converge on Cedar Bluff to recreate battles fought in the area 150 years ago.
As part of the sesquicentennial remembrances of the War Between the States, the Abel Streight’s Raid Civil War Reenactment commemorates Streight’s raid through north Alabama, en route to Georgia, to cut the Western Atlantic Railroad, a Confederate supply line.
Scheduled for May 31st – June 2nd – that event takes place just miles from the original surrender site in Cherokee County, Ala., and features re-enactors, demonstrations, encampments, cannon firings, and period music.
April 28th, 2013, marked the 150th anniversary of Union Col. Abel Streight’s raid through north Alabama en route to Georgia to cut the Western Atlantic Railroad, a Confederate supply line. The Abel Streight’s Raid Civil War Reenactment commemorates the Battle of Day’s Gap in which Streight’s force won, but the battle set off a series of skirmishes that eventually led the Union forces being surrounded and captured.
Period merchants and Union and Confederate encampments are open to the public each day beginning at 9:00am. On Saturday at 11 a.m. there will be a period Ladies Social and Tea, and following at 2:00pm, the re-enactment of Battle of Day’s Gap – including the capture of two of General Forest’s prized cannon. Local historians note that it is possible that the two cannon still remain buried in the Hog Mountain area as they were never recovered. On Sunday, a period church service is planned at 10:00am and at 2:00pm. The Battle of Streight’s Surrender will be reenacted, complete with the burning of Black Creek Bridge.
A Civil War Era Ball with the Emmy award winning Un-Reconstructed from Jacksonville, Ala. will also be held. Un-Reconstructed is a six-piece string band that specializes in performing and arranging music from the War Between the States as well as Irish, Scottish, and other nineteenth century traditional music. They have appeared throughout the eastern United States and their music has been included in various movies, documentaries, National Park promotional videos, and educational compilation projects. Period attire is required.
Located 3 miles from the re-enactment site at 1200 County Road 251 is Cornwall Furnace which was built around 1862 to manufacture cannon, caissons, and other war materials for the Confederacy. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, festival goers are invited to tour the war memorial park throughout the three-day event.
A $7.00 per car donation is requested – with proceeds to benefit the Cherokee County Historical Museum. The donation includes entrance to the events on Saturday and Sunday.
The Civil War reenactment is located at Highway 9 North on County Road 131 in Cedar Bluff.
For more information, visit www.cherokee-chamber.org or call (256) 927-8455.
About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting www.northalabama.org.
