BY DALE BARNETT
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo: Union Reenactors Mike Gilliland, Mark Fuller and Greg Graham.
MARBURY, ALABAMA – The Confederate Memorial Park, off County Road 63 in Marbury, hosted a reenactment on Saturday with a “Civil War Living History and Skirmish.”
The visitors were able to explore the authentic campgrounds of both sides of Confederate or Union reenactors and hear the stories told by the soldiers. On view were authentic supplies and gear that would have been used during the civil war, prior to a battle.
The crowd was estimated at over 200 at the gate and over 160 entering the museum. People enjoyed experiencing the cannon and musket fire and seeing the battlefield covered in a smoky haze from the weapons that shot blanks.
Families explored the museum and the Confederate cemetery as well.
One couple, Doug and Shannon Phillips from Odenville, traveled down for their first time to see this event and the park. Shannon shared that they love history and especially anything to do with the Civil War.
Three of the Union soldier reenactors we spoke with have been involved in civil war reenactments for many years. Mike Gilliland, Mark Fuller and Greg Graham explained they belong to different regiments but try to assist in reenactments whenever and wherever possible.
We also talked to one of the southern belles, Carolyn Newman, dressed in a lovely antebellum style dress. Newman said she has been involved in the reenactments for over 12 years and enjoys sharing the history with younger people.
On site at the park are authentically reconstructed Civil War Barracks. Living historians presented outdoor demonstrations on a variety of topics including weapons, flags, civilian life, cooking and veterans’ life at the Alabama Confederate Soldier’s Home. A cemetery ceremony and afternoon skirmish between Union and Confederate reenactors was included.
The park is spread over 102 acres of rolling wooded countryside near the center of the state. It is the only site in Alabama of a Confederate veterans’ home. Life for the old soldiers, called “inmates” at the Home, was better than most had known before their admission. The Home provided housing, meals, clothing, allowances, medical care and, for many, a place to die and be buried with dignity.
The museum offers exhibits on the life of an Alabama Confederate veteran from recruitment to old age, including hundreds of artifacts from the Civil War and the Soldiers’ Home.
All the proceeds from Saturday’s event go towards helping maintain the Park, which is open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week and weekends. Check out their website for more information at https://ahc.alabama.gov/properties/confederate/confederate.aspx
You can also follow their Facebook Page at Confederate Memorial Park.
ABOUT CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL PARK
Confederate Memorial Park’s visitors’ center and museum has resumed normal operating hours at reduced capacity. Please continue to observe social distancing and other safety guidelines while on site.
Confederate Memorial Park is the site of Alabama’s only Confederate Soldiers’ Home. The site operated from 1902-1939 as a haven for disabled or indigent veterans of the Confederate army, their wives, and widows. The majority of veterans served in Alabama outfits, while others moved to Alabama after the war. The last veteran died at the home in 1934. The facility closed in 1939 when the five remaining widows were moved to Montgomery for better care
Confederate Memorial Park’s pavilions, outdoor tables, and grills can be reserved for special events.
Additionally, CMP rents Marbury Methodist Church for weddings and similar occasions.
Please contact the park staff at 205-755-1990 or [email protected] for reservations or additional information.
Blue Star Museum: Confederate Memorial Park proudly offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The park is located at 437 County Road 63, Marbury, Alabama 36051.
