Home » NEBRASKAland Articles » Troop Muster at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park

Troop Muster at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park

JN20130413_223 RGB_118660
Civil War-era soldiers, played by living historians, drilling at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park during a Troop Muster in early spring.

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, one of America’s best preserved frontier forts, will soon host dozens of military and civilian living historians and reenactors. On April 18-19, step back in time to 1865 to experience a day in the life of soldiers and civilians living on an army post on the Great Plains. Events will take place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.

Members of the Great Plains Garrison, a coalition of regional reenactors and living historians dedicated to sharing the history of Nebraska, will occupy nearly every structure on the post, recreating the activities of everyday life in the 19th century. Visitors will see soldiers drilling and firing, laundresses and cooks hard at work, the blacksmith pounding away, the surgeon in the hospital, sentries on guard, officers present, the barracks fully occupied, and a skirmish at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

In commemoration of the passing of President Abraham Lincoln, special ceremonies will be conducted throughout the weekend culminating in a tribute to his burial at noon on Sunday, April 19, 150 years to the day of the interment our nation’s 16th President.

Admission is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 3-12. A park permit is required and can be purchased at the Visitor Center. Fort Hartsuff is located north of Elyria along Nebraska Highway 11, address 82034 Fort Ave. Burwell, NE 68823.

For more information, please contact Fort Hartsuff at (308)346-4715 or ngpc.fort.hartsuff@nebraska.gov.

About Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley

Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley is Nebraskaland Magazine's associate editor. She enjoys hiking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing and wild game cooking.

Check Also

Spring Wild Turkey Hunting: Addiction, Obsession, Passion

Noted turkey hunter and outdoor writer Tom Kelly once wrote, “I do not hunt turkeys …