Civil War’s Battle of Belmont Reignites This Weekend

Travel back in time to 1861 when General Ulysses S. Grant led his first contest at the Battle of Belmont. The famous conflict that occurred in Missouri will be recreated at this year’s Civil War Days, July 9 and 10, at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

“We have a different battle scenario every year. This year it will be the Battle of Belmont. This is the second year that we will have the big battle on both days,” said Seleena Kuester, Lake County Discovery Museum educator. Museum staff has found that offering the big battle scene on both days helps spread attendance more evenly.

With about 600 reenactors, the museum’s Civil War Days is one of the largest in northern Illinois, Kuester said.

Besides watching the large-scale battle, visitors may also meet President Abraham Lincoln and other historic figures. Reenactors will perform military drills and demonstrations throughout the day. An 1863 Summer Fair will offer a glimpse of public amusements, horticultural and domestic arts exhibits. Visitors will hear period music and can shop at Civil War era vendors, and may even get into the spirit of the times by purchasing some period clothing. Children can play old-fashioned games and learn traditional crafts.

“We’re looking forward to a great event. Not only is it the 20th anniversary of our Civil War days, it is also the sesquicentennial, 150th anniversary, of the Civil War,” Kuester said.

Kuester pointed out that admission to Civil War Days includes admission to the museum, which is currently running Civil War High Tech, an interactive exhibit that focuses on how technology helped the Union win the war.

Admission to Civil War Days is $8 for adults and $4 for children 4 to 17.  Discounted advance tickets and coupons to Civil War Days are available online. Civil War Days runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 9; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday July 10.