03/11/04 — Bentonville re-creation scheduled

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Bentonville re-creation scheduled

By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on March 11, 2004 2:03 PM

FOUR OAKS -- On March 20 and 21, a re-creation of Camp Vance in the form of a Confederate military camp of instruction will be held at Bentonville Battlefield to commemorate the 139th anniversary of the battle.

Ongoing close-order military drill and small arms weapons firing demonstrations will occur throughout the day. A narrator will explain the various levels of military drill that the soldiers learned while in camp. The close-order drill, based on Napoleonic tactics, taught the new recruits basic combat skills that they would use later in combat.

Other features of the program will include a uniform and equipment display.

Demonstrations of blacksmithing, 19th century domestic skills, and wet plate photography will also be given throughout the weekend. Tours of the Historic Harper House will take place on the half-hour from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days.

Tickets for the house tours are required and are limited to 30 people per tour.

Admission is free.

More information can be obtained by calling 1-910-594-0789.