Civil War in the Southwest

Posted on | March 10, 2010 | Comments Off

Arizona Parks Foundation marks a single battle of the American Civil War, a skirmish fought near Picacho Peak located between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Each year around this time, that Civil War tussle is re-enacted, and you can come out and watch. (Note that they moved it a year or so ago, but it seems to be back at Picacho Park again this year. The Civil War battle is this weekend.)

Civil War Re enactment 300x199 Civil War in the Southwest

Civil War Re-Enactment at Picacho Peak Park

Now, actually, when you go, you’ll see THREE Civil War re-enactments. At 11:00 AM each day, you will see the re-enactment of the Battle of Valverde. At 1:30 (both days), watch the re-enactment of the Battle of Glorietta Pass. The big one, the Battle of Picacho, will be re-enacted at 3:30 PM. Also, expect to see what seems like a cool fashion show (fashions of the time) and some artillery demonstrations.

Everyone who has gone to this re-enactment tells me it’s a total blast. Go if you can.

Btw, lots of the folks who re-enact these battles camp overnight at the park with their authentic American Civil War gear. You can join them if you wish on Saturday night.

Where: Picacho Peak State Park, about 40 miles north of Tucson, just off I-10. Follow the signs.
When: Saturday, March 13, 2010 and Sunday, March 14, 2010. Gates open at 9:30 AM. No more people can get in after 3:00 PM. The Civil War Battle of Picacho Peak is fought at 3:30 PM (Actually, just the re-enactment is fought.)
How much: $10/vehicle containing up to four people. Additional passengers and bicyclists cost an additional $3/person. Camping is an extra $10-$20.

Photo courtesy of kenkopal, via the Creative Commons License.

–Posted by Hortense P. Tightwad