Civil War re-enactors to show cavalry tactics at Aycock Birthplace
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on February 3, 2009 1:46 PM
FREMONT -- As the sound of hooves impatiently pawing the ground evokes a bygone time, re-enactors from the 1st N.C. Cavalry will demonstrate traditional cavalry battle techniques Saturday at the Charles B. Aycock Birthplace. Running from 1-4 p.m., this program is designed to prepare both horses and the riders for the upcoming re-enactment season.
On-site training at the state historic site in Fremont will include horse and rider commands and both sword and carbine firing practice. This colorful event is free and open to the public.
This re-enactment group portrays the 1st Regiment N.C. Cavalry, the ninth regiment raised by North Carolina during the Civil War. The group also depicts the 9th Pennsylvania Volunteers and U.S. 2nd Cavalry. Gov. Aycock grew up with two brothers who served in the Confederate Army's16th Battalion, N.C. Cavalry. His only brother-in-law was also a member of this unit.
For more information about either becoming a reenactor with the 1st N.C. Cavalry unit or coming to see this unique presentation, call (919) 242-5581 or e-mail aycock@ncdcr.gov.
Although the Aycock Birthplace experienced a tragic fire a year ago that seriously damaged the historic site's main house, the state historic site has reopened to the public and continues to present public programs. Currently the main house is closed while being repaired but the period one-room schoolhouse and the historic area, including the kitchen, corn crib and smokehouses, are all open. Visitors may also tour exhibits in the state historic site's visitor center and watch a video on the late Gov. Aycock and his family.
Anyone wanting to assist in the home's restoration may do so by contributing to the newly established Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace Recovery and Restoration Fund.
Contributions may be sent to Gov. Charles B. Aycock Birthplace, P.O. Box 207, Fremont, N.C. 27830.
Aycock Birthplace's mission is to preserve and interpret the birthplace and history of Charles B. Aycock, emphasizing his contributions to public education in North Carolina.
Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, Aycock Birthplace is part of the Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina's arts, history and culture. Join the Cultural Resources 2009 theme observance of "Treasure N.C. Culture."
For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.