Civil War to be re-created near Sisters

The sound of fife and drums and the pungent smell of blackpowder smoke will fill the air in Camp Sherman next weekend as reenactors and visitors travel back in time to the 1860s and the American Civil War.

The nonprofit Northwest Civil War Council will present a full Civil War reenactment at House on Metolius, Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20.

The historically accurate tent camps house more than 200 Civil War reenactors presenting living conditions and circumstances of 1863. This is the fifth Civil War living history event held at the site and the only event of its kind in Central Oregon.

The reenactors also donate their time Friday, May 18, for School Day, when the camps of the Blue and Gray are open just for students on school field trips. More than 1,100 students will participate this year.

House on Metolius, near Camp Sherman, is a secluded mountain meadow with the Metolius River running through the private property. The mountain meadow setting offers over five acres of living history with characters in period clothing and uniforms. Campsites, stores, medical practices, music, war reporting, yarn spinning, fashion and other activities of the era are displayed as well as Civil War artillery, infantry and cavalry.

President Abraham Lincoln will be on hand and answering questions.

Mock battles with cannons and muskets firing black powder are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. The event is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

General admission, $8; seniors and students, $5. Children under six, free. Parking, $5 per vehicle to help the Boy Scouts.

The House on Metolius is off Highway 20, two miles north of Camp Sherman, off road 1420.