Civil War reenactment returns to Zoar Sept. 20–21

Ohio’s largest Civil War reenactment will take place at Historic Zoar Village Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a surrender ceremony Sunday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reenactors will portray soldiers in a recreation of the Battle of Appomattox. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the Zoar Civil War event and the 160th anniversary of the battle.

“The Battle of Appomattox was a key battle that led to the end of the Civil War,” said site director Tammi Shrum. “This highly anticipated reenactment will be the perfect event for history enthusiasts and families looking for a fun, educational day out.”

The Battle of Appomattox, fought April 9, 1865, resulted in Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendering to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. While it was not the official end of the war, the battle signaled the collapse of Confederate resistance.

During the Zoar event, guests can enjoy an artillery night fire Saturday and a historical ball with food from the Anvil Tavern.

Special demonstrations and reenactors will be featured throughout the village, including: 

— Camp Chase Display 

— New York Herald Reporter 

— Spring Hill Historic Site 

— Civil War Songstress 

— Abraham Lincoln 

— Medical Tent 

— National Museum of Civil War Medicine traveling exhibit 

— Harriet Tubman 

— 1st Sgt. Bertram Floyd of the 5th USCT Co. G

Programming for area schools will be offered Friday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Historic Zoar Village’s Civil War School Day.

All museum buildings and shops will be open, with volunteers in period dress sharing stories about life in the 1800s and the Zoarites’ pacifist stance during the war.

Tickets are $12 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Admission includes entry to all museum buildings and reenactment activities. Parking is free. Proceeds benefit the preservation and educational efforts of Historic Zoar Village.

Reenactor registration and pre-event ticket sales are available at historiczoarvillage.com.