“The Army Recruit’s First Day in the Life of a Civil War Solider.”

Report for duty at 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown, VA 22645
On the fields of the Battle of Cedar Creek

Time: 9:00-3:00
Location: Cedar Creek Battlefield
8437 Valley Pike
Middletown, VA 22645

Pre-registration – $40 (thru June 12)
After June 12th, registrations and “walk-ons” – $45
For ages 8-14

Activities will include mustering into the Army of 1861-65 (Union or Confederate volunteers accepted) for the day, infantry drill given by Co. F&I, 8th Virginia Inf. Regiment, cavalry drill given by the 18th VA Cavalry, McNeill’s Rangers, and artillery demonstrations by McClanahan’s Battery. A Grand Battle will commence at 2:00. Parents are welcome to watch, and the kids win!

Contact Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation at (540) 869-2064 for additional information

(The Number of registrants is limited to 55 recruits.)

Parent or guardian will provide their child a box or bag lunch and drink.
Parent will provide “bug” spray/oil to protect their child from Ticks and Chiggers and sunblock as needed. They should have proper footware, no sandals or open-toed shoes.

Schedule of activities

9:00-9:30
Parents & Recruits (the kids) begin arriving to muster in. Recruits are given their enlistment papers.

9:30
Recruits are formed into companies and equipment will be distributed.

9:30-12:00
Companies are drilled by members of Company F&I, 8th Virginia. They will be taught the rudiments of close order drill, how to march, manual of arms and other activities a typical recruit in a Civil War unit would experience. The recruits will also learn about the cavalry and artillery by the McNeill’s Rangers and McClanahan’s Artillery Battery.

12:00-12:45
Lunch; each recruit will enjoy the bag lunch he has brought from home. Water will be provided for those empty canteens (water bottles). We do not provide lunch for the recruits. Camp life is explored.

12:45-2:00
Continue of morning drill rotation. Rifle firing demonstration. Drilling on Company level and participation in activities and preparing for the “Grand Battle.”

2:00
Grand Battle – Parents are encouraged to come and watch the grand finale of the Army Recruit’s first day. Companies are formed into lines and go into battle against the Civil War reenactors of the 8th Virginia.

3:00
Troops are mustered out.

REGISTRATION FORM: