From staff reports
The Beaufort History Museum’s annual Civil War Living History Encampment returns to the Beaufort Arsenal Courtyard at 713 Craven Street in downtown Beaufort on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Enjoy a visit by the 79th New York Highlander Regiment for a day full of interaction, living history, drills, educational activities, and lots of family fun from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public to enjoy, and donations to support the museum are much appreciated.
Learn about Civil War era camp life, educational discussions about medical support in the field, women’s roles, drills, weapons, cooking, an enlistment ceremony for children and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the day. Attendees will be able to interact with the soldiers to learn firsthand how life was lived in Beaufort during the Civil War years.
Join us to meet and greet the reenactors with morning refreshments before the day’s activities get started. This early morning pre-event is for members only and will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m.
The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry, a Regiment of the New York State Militia, was originally a social club in New York City in 1858. It was comprised primarily of emigrant Scots and Scottish Americans. The militia was modeled after the famous Scottish regiment of the British Army, the 79th Cameron Highlanders of Scotland, but other than their name and tartan they had no official connection.
Their original duty was to parade, train as heavy artillery, and provide a guard for the Prince of Wales when he visited the United States. But the 79th, without intention, set themselves up to take part in nearly every major engagement in the Civil War and became one of the most well-known and traveled regiments in the Union Army.
Among their South Carolina forays into battle, in December of 1861, the Highlanders were sent to the city of Beaufort to help occupy the town. At one point they set up camp near what is now the National Cemetery. Seven Highlanders lost their lives in battles near Beaufort. To honor them, a Memorial Ceremony at the National Cemetery will be held at 8 a.m. We are looking forward to presenting the encampment to showcase these dedicated volunteers and reenactors who carry on the tradition and history of the 79th Regiment in such a meaningful, educational, and authentic manner.
Beaufort History Museum thanks its encampment partners, 79th Highlander Regiment leader Tom Vaselopulos, the reenactors, the BHM Board, their knowledgeable Docents, BHM members, and the citizens of Beaufort for their generosity and support.
