History is coming back to life once again as the City of Greensboro and the National Park Service gear up for an annual reenactment of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.
It’s set for the weekend of Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16.
The free event will take visitors back to the Revolutionary War era with a series of living history programs at Country Park and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.
History buffs and even simply curious visitors alike will have plenty to see and do throughout the weekend: At Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, guests will be able to check out artillery demonstrations, watch performances by the Carolina Colonial Dancers and engage in interactive programs on colonial music, medicine and Revolutionary War activities.
Since most festivities will take place outdoors, bad weather might lead to cancellations – so it’s best to check online for updates at https://www.nps.gov/guco/planyourvisit/calendar.htm before heading out.
The highlight of the weekend is, of course, the battle reenactment itself.
Visitors can watch the dramatic recreation of the 1781 battle at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
The event also features military encampments – where reenactors will showcase what life was like for soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
Also, Vendors will be on hand selling colonial-era goods, food and drinks.
Here’s what you need to know before heading out: The reenactment will take place at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Campsites and vendors will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The event will be at Country Park and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.
Parking will be available at Jaycee Park (3802 Jaycee Park Dr.). The Nathanael Greene Drive entrance will be closed during the event.
All of those who want to come out are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes early to make sure they have time to walk or take a golf cart shuttle from the parking area to the battlefield. For a detailed map of campsites and the battlefield, you can visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/reenactment.
Beyond the battlefield, the National Park Service will host additional living history programs at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, including musket and artillery demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Keep in mind that these events include loud cannon and musket fire; so, for the safety and comfort of pets, dogs will not be allowed on the battlefield.)
For more information, you can contact Park Manager Suzanne Congelosi at 336-373-3648.
” The British are coming! The British are coming! “
Austin,
Up the rebels.
I for one am glad to see this event return. To the extent I can I take my grandchildren to them as a teaching tool and not just here in NC. I have taken them to several battle sites for a fist hand education. I recently took a grandson to Gettysburg where we paid homage to the ancestor of my friend Alan, that being Col. James K Marshall (52nd NC Infantry), who led the left wing of the Confederate charge up to the wall at Pickett’s Charge after Pettigrew was wounded.
By the way Rebel, he was from Edenton NC.
Those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
Agreed. Right up the rebels!
——
But seriously, I would have been with the Colonists in the War for American Independence, and with the Confederate States in The War for Southern Independence.
I can’t wait. This will be my first time. I love history and this gives me an opportunity to experience and teach others.
Teena,
As a fellow lover of history I HIGHLY suggest that you take every opportunity to go out and experience it. Obviously, I have a love for military history, but given the time we’ve spent in the Middle East, we’ve seen things most people don’t experience.
Ever heard of Mount St.Catharine or Masada?