Re-enactment teaches about local history

More than 500 pounds of black powder will be fired in Aiken this upcoming weekend.

The battle will rage as Confederate and Union troops clash in the re-enactment of a defining moment in the Civil War for Aiken: The Battle of Aiken.

The actual battle culminated on York Street at the present location of First Baptist Church of Aiken. The re-enactment of the Battle of Aiken is now held at Confederate Park and has become the largest living history event in the Southeast.

"The Civil War was fought for some of the same problems we have now. We do this to educate and teach to perpetuate education to young people," said living historian Wayne Jones, Confederate Calvary Major General James Ewell Brown also called J.E.B. Stuart. "If I can educate one young person, I've carried it to the next generation."

The entire day on Friday is dedicated to education with local students spending the day learning about the Civil War through living history. This year, they are expecting to host more than 2,000 students.

Throughout the weekend, the event includes activities from learning how cannons are fired, discovering what life was like during the Civil War, a chance to look at hospital techniques, learn about the role of women and see period weaponry in action.

On Sunday, a church service will be held at 11 a.m. Crafts during the event include period art, woodcrafts, replica swords, muskets, iron working, blacksmithing, women's clothing, uniforms and music.

The Battle of Aiken has won the Governor's Award for Carolina's best tourist event and the Dr. James Butler national award for the best living history program.

The Battle of Aiken begins Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Programs, tours and seminars start at 9 a.m. and the battle begins at 2 p.m. Old South Barbecue begins serving at 11 a.m.

Spectators are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to ensure optimal viewing of the battle. The event is rain or shine on both days.

Parking for the event is free. Advance admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students (ages 6 to 18); 5 and under are admitted free. At the gate, $12 for adults and $6 for students. Call (803) 642-2500

For more information, visit www.battleofaiken.org.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.

Want to Go?

What? Battle of Aiken

When? Feb. 20-21, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. - Battles begin at 2 p.m.

Where? Confederate Park, 1210 Powell Pond Road

Fun Facts About the Battle

* More than 500 pounds of black powder will be fired

* Recognized as the largest living history event in the southeast

* Volunteers split 65 truckloads of wood

* More than 1,000 reenactors will take part

* More than 100 horses portray calvary charges

* The average infantryman outfitting is between $2,000 and $2,500

* Each musket costs $300 to $700 and cannons start at $25,000