The 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War will begin in 2011.   Only 340 communities in the entire United States were directly involved with battles of this historic war that divided families on both sides The Battle of Fredericktown took place on October 21, 1861, just one mile south of the courthouse.

Our community has the opportunity to bring many visitors to our area with an historic Living History that would demonstrate how the soldiers lived during the war, how the injured were cared for and their lives in general at this dark time in history.  For nearly a year, the Foundation has been trying to encourage volunteers to join in the preparations for this tourism attraction.

Two members of the Missouri Civil War Re-enactors Association are willing to spearhead the project, but it will be our responsibility as a community, to raise the necessary funds and provide volunteers to help with the preparations and    execution of the event.

At this point, we do not have the community support to make this event a reality.    We have until early March to obtain the necessary local commitment and volunteers or this event cannot take place.

An event such as this cannot succeed with just one or two people carrying the entire load.  There must be at  least 25 people dividing  tasks and being responsible for their specific areas.  Below, you will see a list of the various tasks that need to be done.  If you see an area that interests you, please make the decision to become involved.  It is so much more fun to be “in on” the preparations than just being a spectator later on.   Bringing tourists to Fredericktown and giving them a reason to “stay for a while” will  help our economy and businesses.

If we plan and provide a good and worthwhile historic event, the people will come.  If we do nothing, they will not.  The choice is Ours!

Two meetings scheduled for 2011 Civil War Event Planning...January 9 and January 16

Two meetings have been planned in an effort to determine if our community will be able to have a 2011 Civil War commemorative event.   The first meeting is set for Saturday, January 9th at the Civil War Museum across from the post office at 2 pm.    A second meeting is scheduled as a backup, if the weather is icy or too snowy on January 9th.  This back up meeting date is set for January 16th at 2 pm at the Civil War Museum.  Please call Carole at 576-8528 if you want to check on the meeting status.   

No experience is necessary to help with this event.  Please come and join the planning.     

What it takes to have a Living History Event

  As you can see from the following list, there are many important planning objectives that must be met to have a successful event.

Estimated Funds Needed - $5,000

Sanitary Facilities

*Hay for Horses  1 bale/horse/day

*Straw for bedding  1 bale/3 re-enactors

*Drinking Water  5 gal/re-enactor

*Ice  20#/re-enactor in summer

*Water for livestock

*Firewood

*Garbage & Trash Facilities

*Emergency Medical Treatment

*Free food for re-enactors

*Gun powder/Percussion Caps

*Concession stands for visitors

*Speaker System

*Swimming pool passes in summer

*Free access to local museums

*Free shower facilities for re-enactors

*Obtaining local sponsors

*Selling Ads

*Publicity/Programs

*Shuttle busses

*Coordination with City & County

 Please call Carole at 576-8528 if you would like to take part in this community event.

Other 2011 Area Events Already Scheduled

The Missouri Civil War Re-enactors Association has already given approval, sanction, and reserved the dates for the following events in Missouri.  The reason these dates are important is that re-enactors will be going to these events. So, we cannot schedule an event that conflicts with any of these dates because the re-enactors have already committed themselves to these other events and will not be able to come here.

May 13-15, 2011  Battle of Carthage

June 18-19, 2011 Battle of Boonville

Sept. 24-25, 2011 Battle of Lexington

Oct. 1-2, 2011 Battle of Leesburg

Other Civil War Commemorative Events that could be added

· Night Firing of Cannons & Rifles

· Candlelight Tours

· Dance—Period Ball

· Fashion Show

· Parade

· Pioneer Craft Demonstrations

· Civil War Skirmish

· Art Contest

· Progression Dinner

· Store or Window Decoration Contest

Volunteers—We Need YOUR Help!

Fredericktown’s claim to fame is its rich history from its earliest beginnings in 1818.  Through the years, we experienced floods, earthquakes and our community was involved in the tragic Civil War.  But, through it all, our town has survived and there is a growing national interest in visiting towns that have preserved the past, through their museums, architecture and historic districts.  Tourism can greatly improve our economy, if we can see and capitalize on the potential of our historic past.

Over 50 percent of our population is over 55 years of age.  Many were born and raised in Fredericktown and know much of its history.  We have many retired people who may have hours during the day with nothing to do.  You could help your community and economy improve if you would be willing to volunteer just a few hours a month.  We also would like to invite high school students who may be eligible for extra credit if they volunteered at the Civil War Museum.

The Civil War Museum is now closed until spring.  However, we would like to build a volunteer list for 2010.  Please email:  foundation@fhphistory.org  or call 576-8528, if you would like to be added to the list.

The museum is located across from the Post Office at 156 South Main Street in Fredericktown.