DOVER, TN – On Saturday, June 29th, the public will have an opportunity to attend programming and demonstrations of a Civil War living history unit that, by the appearance of their colorful uniform, is more akin to the historic French Foreign Legion, than that of your stereotypical blue or grey infantry soldier.
The event, hosted by and at Fort Donelson National Battlefield, will offer a period encampment and military demonstrations by members of the 8th Missouri Infantry Regiment Zouave living history regiment. The presenters will share of historic accounts, and show various activities of military life of the period. There will also be demonstrations of the firing of period weapons.
According to Chief Ranger Bill Fields, “In addition to learning of the significant combat accomplishments by the historic regiment at Fort Donelson, the public will have an opportunity to see that there were variations to uniforms, aside from the more familiar blue, grey, or butternut colors and design,” Fields added. As the war progressed, most early-war Zouave units – both Union and Confederate converted to the more typical blue or grey issued uniforms. The 8th Missouri was not one to participate in transition, and largely remained in its distinctive appearance for the remainder of the conflict.
Scheduled programs and times for the Saturday, June 29th, event are:
- Period camp of the 8th Missouri open of visitors – 11 am to 4 pm
- Military and historic weapons firing – Noon, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm
The camp and military and firing demonstrations will take place in the field just north of the Fort Donelson Visitor Center, at 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover.
An appearance by Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant will be in the camp of the 8th Missouri. Later in the afternoon, he will welcome visitors at the Dover Hotel (Tour stop #10), 101 Petty St, Dover.
For additional information, or in the event of inclement weather, please visit the park’s Facebook page for program updates, https://www.facebook.com/fortdonelsonnps, or by calling Park Ranger staff at 931-232-5706 x 0.