newsbattles cross keys port republic
Local

Battles of Cross Keys, Port Republic focus of June 9-10 event

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is hosting a special event commemorating the 155th anniversary of the Battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic on June 9-10.  This commemorative event will consist of a series of free special ranger programs and battlefield tours, living history encampments and demonstrations, an evening torchlight tour, a kids’ activity tent, and other activities.  All of these programs and activities will explore and explain the two battles that ended Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s famous 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign.

newspaper“These twin victories at Cross Keys and Port Republic marked the end of what many consider one of the most brilliant military campaigns in American history,” explains Eric Campbell, the park’s chief of interpretation.  “The programs, events and tours offered during this commemorative event will not only explain these two battles, but also provide an overview to the entire 1862 Valley Campaign, along with reflection and meaning to the sacrifices of the soldiers and civilians who experienced it.”

The event will begin on Friday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m., with a National Park Service presentation, the “1862 Valley Campaign in a Box” (a 40-minute ranger program that provides an overview of the campaign), followed by a special Torchlight Tour, “The Eve of Battle,” starting at Port Republic’s “Green” at 7:30 p.m.  Visitors will “step back in time” to the evening of June 8, 1862 and visit the camps of Union and Confederate soldiers on the evening prior to the Battle of Port Republic, which was fought on the following day (June 9, 1862).

On Saturday, June 10, events will be offered on the Port Republic “Green” from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  National Park Service ranger programs include the “1862 Valley Campaign in a Box” presentations, along with ranger-led car caravan tours of each battlefield.

Living history units will depict both Union and Confederate soldiers who fought in the Shenandoah Valley in 1862.  They will set up typical Civil War encampments along the South River in Port Republic, along with offering drilling demonstrations on the town’s “Green” on Saturday, June 10.

A kids’ activity tent will allow children to try on Civil War uniforms, drill with wooden rifles, conduct art activities, scavenger hunts and much more.  The Port Republic Museum will also be open to the public throughout the event.  This commemorative event is being co-sponsored by the National Park Service, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, the Port Republic Museum and the Town of Port Republic.

The complete schedule of events for the weekend includes:

Friday, June 9th  

  • 6:30 p.m. NPS Ranger program -1862 Valley Campaign in a Box
  • 7:30 p.m. –Torchlight Tour “The Eve of Battle: June 8, 1862”

Saturday, June 10th

9:00 a.m. – Event begins on the “Green” in Port Republic

  • On-going “living history”
  • On-going “kids’ activities”
  • Port Republic Museum open

9:30 a.m. – Tour of the Battle of Cross Keys -meet at the Ruritan (Union Church) on Battlefield

Road Ranger lead tour

Following programs take place on the “Green” in Port Republic

  • 10:00 a.m. – NPS Ranger program -1862 Valley Campaign in a Box
  • 11:00 a.m. – Living History program and drilling demonstration
  • 1:00 p.m.  – Living History program and drilling demonstration
  • 2:00 p.m. – Tour of the Battle of Port Republic-meet at the “Green” –Ranger-lead tour
  • 2:30 p.m. – NPS Ranger program -1862 Valley Campaign in a Box
  • 3:15 p.m. – Living History program and drilling demonstration
  • 5:00 p.m.  – Event ends

For program locations, questions or for further information, call: (540) 869-3051.

Contributors

Contributors

Have a story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPandora and YouTube.

Latest News

art hive staunton
Culture

From trash to treasure: Art Hive emphasizes creative reuse at gallery coming soon to Staunton

Sydney "Sundance" Smith
Sports

Sundance: Waynesboro bare knuckles fighter has eyes on world-title shot

Sydney “Sundance” Smith is the #4 contender for the Bare Knuckles Fighting Championship world strawweight title after her May 12 upset of then-#2 contender Andy Nguyen.

SVASC shenandoah valley animal services center proposed entrance
Local

New animal shelter designs shared with owners’ group, public invited to offer comment

An architectural firm recently presented its design concepts for the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center’s new location planned at the former Verona Elementary School in Augusta County.

albemarle county police awards 2022
Local

Albemarle County Police Department honor staff and community members

farmer in field
Virginia

‘Bull Pen’ competition offers cash prizes for best agriculture products and ideas

Charlottesville
Local

Charlottesville emission levels expected to rise slightly; new initiatives ramping up

Chesapeake Bay
Virginia

Scientists outline the path to a better Chesapeake Bay: But it’s a slow one