On September 14-15, history will come alive in Glasgow as the Fort Williams Living History Encampment returns, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience the life of soldiers during the Civil War.
The event will be held at Fort Williams, located at 100 Fort Williams Way, and promises a weekend filled with immersive historical presentations and reenactments.
This year’s encampment will feature the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a group of dedicated reenactors who portray Union soldiers from northern Middle Tennessee and south-central Kentucky. These men, often referred to as the “southern boys in blue,” played a critical but frequently overlooked role in the preservation of the Union during the Civil War. They were Unionists from slave-holding states who chose to fight against the Confederacy, a decision that placed them and their families in considerable danger.
Historical presentations will be held hourly from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, offering insights into the daily lives of Civil War soldiers, their tactics, and the broader historical context of their service. These presentations provide a deep dive into the challenges these soldiers faced, including the risks of being labeled as traitors by their own communities and the sacrifices made both on and off the battlefield.
The event is free to the public, making it accessible for all who are interested in learning more about this significant chapter in American history. Visitors will have the chance to interact with reenactors, explore authentic encampments, and gain a deeper understanding of the Civil War’s impact on the local area.
Fort Williams itself is a historic site with its own storied past. The fort was a strategic point during the Civil War, used by Union forces to protect the nearby railroad and river routes that were vital for troop movements and supplies. Today, the site serves as a poignant reminder of the conflict and the local contributions to the war effort.
Organizers of the Living History Encampment emphasize the importance of remembering the often-overlooked stories of the Unionists from the southern slave states.
The Fort Williams Living History Encampment is not just a reenactment; it will be an educational experience that connects the past with the present, bringing to light the complexities of the Civil War and the courage of those who fought to preserve the Union. The event also serves as a reminder of the local area’s contributions to the broader narrative of American history.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their families, explore the encampment, and take part in this living tribute to the soldiers who once walked the same ground.
