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Oregon: Salem, Family Adventure - A Civil War Re-enactment at Willamette Mission State Park. Each summer the Northwest Civil War Council conducts a living history event at Mission State Park. Alyssa Liljequist shares her observations on the event.
Willamette Mission State Park Battle Reenactment.
I wanna go back to th e Civil War Re-enactment at Willamette Mission State Park. I went on July 4, 2010 because I was interested in the time period and wanted to do research for a novel I am writing which is set during the Civil War.

The re-enactment was a neat experience. I watched a mock battle between the North and South. The cannons were too loud for me and I had to cover my ears. Looking back, I should have taken earplugs. But I appreciate the realistic smoke and bang of the guns even though it was really loud.

It was exciting to watch the action unfold before my eyes. Yet, it's sobering, too, that these men-all Americans-were shooting and killing each other in the real Civil War. It was such a sad war. I walked through rows upon rows of white tents in the Union and Confederate camps. There was everything from a small store to a telegraph station to normal women and children going about their everyday lives. Some were cooking with pots, some chatted, and some did handicrafts or sewing. I enjoyed listening to pretty period music on the hammer dulcimer. Two friendly confederates talked with me a bit about the role of spies in the Civil War.

I also listened to a lecture on the surgical procedures of the time. The lecturer held up different medical instruments and described how they were used. He discussed amputations and how they were performed. It was somewhat graphic but not too much so for me. I scribbled the information in my notebook and I hope that it will prove useful in my novel writing. Mom, good job at picking this one out and thanks for letting me know about it!
 
Planning Details
Civil War Re-enactment at Willamette Mission State Park. This living history event is conducted by the Northwest Civil War Council. In 2011 the 20th annual event will be held with about 1000 re-enactors in period dress, living in period camps and recreating the living and fighting conditions of the early 1860's. Visitors can see civilian, military, musical, fashion and medical demonstrations throughout the weekend. In addition to the battles skits and activities will be held throughout the day including: period cooking, daily soldier duties, and civilian activities. (www.nwcwc.org/willamette.html)
 
Willamette Mission State Park. Even if there is no event being held at the park  Willamette Mission's 1,680 acres offers families space to enjoy Mother Nature.  There are picnic shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, with sunny areas and trees for shade. Play volleyball, horse shoes, softball or soccer. Hike eight miles of trails along the Willamette River. Bonus points: There's a self-guided interpretive trail through the riparian education project.  No tent? No problem. The park offers cozy yurts, tepees or log cabins for overnight stays.  Reserve your spot in advance toll-free 1-800-452-5687. The Park is off Wheatland Rd., 8 miles north of Salem.

Editor’s note.Throughout the year we invite kids ages 10 to 18 to “Tell Mom” in their own words about a recent family vacation experience. We share the best with our readers. Alyssa Liljequist is one of the winners in the FamilyTravelFiles.com contest for young writers - contest prompt “I wanna go back…”. Future writing opportunities for you writers include writing about a secret family vacation spot and describing the best beach vacation place. Details may be found at Contest for Young Writers: Tell Mom - Fun or Not?

Observations and image provided by Alyssa Liljequist. Planning details by FTF staff. Copyright 2010.

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