FORT STEVENS

Fort Stevens Battle Reenactment and Living History

Labor Day Weekend: August 30 to Sept. 1, 2008

The Northwest Civil War Council and the Friends of Old Fort Stevens will host their annual Battle Reenactment event on Labor Day Weekend. As you may know, the Fort Stevens Reenactment takes place in the historic area of the fort each year. This is the Northwest Civil War Council's largest event, drawing reenactors from all over the northwest, including Washington, California, Nevada, Canada and Idaho. The reconstructed earthworks originally built in 1863 - 1865 is Oregon's only direct link to the Civil War. It's appropriate that this is the site of a battle and living history encampment honoring that link.

The battlefield is located in front of the Spanish American War concrete batteries. The public will be able to view the battles from the top of the west battery near the park museum. It is a crowd pleaser and a great camera viewpoint.

See our Spectator's Guide to getting the most enjoyment out of this event!

Schedule of Events

Time	Saturday	Sunday	Monday
9:00 AM	Gate Opens	Gate Opens - Flag Raising	Gate Opens
9:30 AM	Grand March & Flag Raising	Church Service	Flag Raising
11:00 AM	BATTLE	BATTLE
12:00 PM	Artillery Demonstration	Artillery Demonstration	ONLY BATTLE TODAY
12:30 PM	U.S. Medical Demonstration	U.S. Medical Demonstration	Event Closes After Battle
1:00 PM	String Band Concert Cavalry Demonstration	String Band Concert Cavalry Demonstration
2:00 PM	3rd Brigade Band Concert 19th Century Fashion Show	3rd Brigade Band Concert 19th Century Fashion Show
3:00 PM	BATTLE	BATTLE
4:00 PM	Living History	Living History
4:30 PM	C.S. Medical Demonstration	C.S. Medical Demonstration
6:00 PM	Gate Closes	Gate Closes

NOTICE: THERE IS ONLY ONE BATTLE ON LABOR DAY (MONDAY).

Getting to Fort Stevens:

The historic area of Ft. Stevens State Park is located on the Columbia River shore west of Hammond Oregon, approximately 10 miles from Astoria.

From Astoria: Proceed west through Warrenton to Hammond. At the red stop light go straight and turn right into the Old Ft Stevens Civil War Earthworks and Museum area. Reenactors follow signs to the reenactor entrance. Astoria, in the northwest corner of Oregon, can be reached from Portland via U.S. 30 following the Columbia River westward or Hwy 26 to Seaside (follow the directions below).

From Seaside: Proceed north on U.S. 101 up the coast turning left at the Ft. Stevens turn off (well marked). Turn left again at Ridge Rd. At stop sign, Pacific Dr. and then right into the Old Ft Stevens Civil War Earthworks and Museum area. Reenactors follow signs to reenactors gate.

Driving Map to the area

at the site itself....

Information for Reenactors

Download the Fort Stevens advertisement poster!

Reenactor Registration:
Reenactors must register at the registration tent on sutler row. Reciprocating organizations will need to sign a waiver to participate and must be current members of their respective organizations. Any reenactor found to be unregistered will be dismissed from activities by their commanding officer. All reenactors must register to be at the site. Reenactor gate is north of the regular park gate, follow signs. You MUST have a Reenactor Parking Pass in your vehicle which you can get at the registration desk. If you enter the regular gate you will be charged admission. Membership in the NCWC, WCWA or other recognized reenacting reciprocal organization is required. Please have membership cards with you. Non-members will be asked to pay a fee and join a unit belonging to the NCWC in order to participate.

SUTLERS:
All sutlers must register and be confirmed for each event. Please contact Sutler Coordinator: Teresa Steinbock 503-829-3678

SAFETY: NCWC safety rules shall apply. Event participants must have an event card to take part in the event. Battle participants must have a current written safety test on file with their company commander. It is expected that each Unit Commander can show proof of safety tests completion by all the members of that unit who will be participating at this event. ALL mounted members riding a horse on the battlefield must have passed a NCWC mounted certification test or similar test given by their reciprocating club with the horse they will be on. Weapons will be inspected at first parade by brigade and anytime thereafter by order of the respective company commander.

SET-UP: The park will be open for entry, registration, and setup at 9 AM on Friday, August 29th. Earlier entry is possible - contact the event coordinators. Horse camps may set up a day earlier.

VEHICLES: Vehicles will be parked in designated parking areas only and must display their parking pass in the windshield. NO VEHICLES allowed in period camps after 7:30 AM the starting day of the event until the event ends.

MODERN CAMPING: Modern camping shall be situated in the same location this year and will be severely restricted. Relatives of reenactors will be unable to camp at the site. Check with the event coordinator if you are unsure. You must pay for and reserve a modern camping spot by sending a self addressed, stamped envelope and a check for $10 payable to FOOFS (Friends of Old Fort Stevens) to: John Frenzel 33698 Bond Rd. Lebanon, OR 97355. You may email or call him with questions at jfrenzel000@centurytel.net or 541-451-2436.

ALCOHOL: Fort Stevens State Park rules PROHIBIT use or possession of alcohol within the park. Violators are subject to criminal prosecution.

PORTAJOHNS AND FIREWOOD: Firewood will be provided. Some portajohns will be situated close to the camps. Wood is well supplied but units should not take more than needed. Community wood will be placed in designated piles.

CLEANUP AT END OF EVENT: Please leave the firewood that was supplied at the reenactment and stack it. Please place trash in the nearest garbage cans. Campfire pits must be filled in. Units which fail to clean their sites will be notified by the Event Coordinator.

Direct questions to Event Coordinator John Frenzel at jfrenzel000@centurytel.net or 541-451-2436.
Park Historian: Gail Hemmen 503-861-2000

This page last updated on 07/29/08