civil war returns to gatlinburg

GATLINBURG - The Civil War is returning to Gatlinburg in living color.

With the objective of recreating the only skirmish in Sevier County fought during the War Between the States, over 100 reenactors, many from the "Southern Guards Battalion," will invade Mills Park July 3 and 4 to help Gatlinburg celebrate its Bicentennial.

Period performers will establish a Civil War camp and recreate the "Battle of Burg Hill" during the two-day event, which will include a cannon drill, mounted cavalry, marching review and a historical portrayal by "Sparky" Rucker.
Companies from Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina and Florida are scheduled to participate in the reenactment and will also march in Gatlinburg's 4th of July Midnight Parade.
An appearance by author Noel Fisher (Civil War in the Smokies) is included in the festivities. There is no admission charge to the two-day event..

According to the Gatlinburg History and Survey, a review of the 200-year history of the Gatlinburg area compiled by Dr. C. Van West of Middle Tennessee State University's Center for Historic Preservatrion, most Gatlinburg residents preferred to remain neutral during the Civil War, but the North and South did clash at least one time in this area.

The research conducted by Dr. West and included in the section of his survey entitled, "The Rural Crossroads, 1800 to 1900," states control of Gatlinburg shifted with military fortunes. Confederate soldiers occupied the settlement until late 1863. After a fight in December of that year, United States troops occupied Gatlinburg briefly.

"After a recall of those troops, the village ‘was destroyed,' according to geographer Edwin J. Foscue, in order ‘to keep it from falling again into the hands of the Confederates,'" said West in the survey.

Living History Day One begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3 at Mills Park, with the public invited to view the encampment and observe the reenactors as they play their particular roles.

A cannon drill featuring weapons from the time period will be conducted at 10 a.m., followed at 11 by a review of the troops. A performance by a Confederate Music Group follows at 11:30, then the reenactors will engage in a drill at 1. Fisher will make an appearance at 2 p.m. followed by the final review. The grounds close to the public at 3 p.m.

Living History Day Two begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4, with the encampment open to the public. A musical performance is scheduled for 10:15 a.m., followed by the Battle of Burg Hill reenactment at 11. The festivities continue at 12:30 p.m. with "The Blue & Gray in Black and White" concert featuring Sparky & Wanda Rucker.

After a final review at 2 p.m., the reenactors will break camp to conclude the event.

During the two-day event, Gatlinburg's Mass Transit Department will extend the Blue trolley route to Mills Park, which is located just off Hwy. 321 next to Gatlinburg-Pittman High School.

Admission is free. The Pi Beta Phi PTA will serve hot dogs and drinks.

For more information, call 865-436-0519.