The Battle of Aiken has won the Governor’s Award for Carolina’s best tourist event and the Dr. James Butler national award for the best living history program. For three days, reenactors eat, sleep, live and fight in a painfully recreated version of the world in 1865. This War Between the States has grown from a few hundred men with muskets to a full-blown Civil War festival. In addition to battle reenactments, there are authentic 19th-century military encampments, living history presentations, reproductions of medical facilities, an engineer and signal service, and civilian portrayals.
WHEN: Feb. 25 through Feb. 27, 2011, rain or shine
WHERE: Confederate Park, 1210 Powell Pond Road, just off Interstate 20 at exit 18. That’s 45 minutes from downtown Columbia; 20 minutes from Augusta; and a short 10-minute drive from downtown Aiken. Take Interstate 20 to exit 18, which is S.C. Highway 19 (Aiken). Turn south toward Aiken. Take a left at Powell Pond Road and follow signs.
Detailed driving directions »
ADMISSION: All tickets for admission are $10 for persons 13 or older, $5 for those ages 6 to 12, and ages 5 and under are admitted free. We have reduced our ticket prices in light of economic developments throughout the country and want to encourage attendance by everyone.
TIME: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; programs, tours and seminars start at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Old South barbecue is served all day. The battle begins at 2:30 p.m. For your convenience, we suggest arriving no later than 10 a.m.
PARKING: Free; special parking for those with disabilities also is available.
WHAT TO BRING: Something to sit on, a camera or video camera, and an umbrella.
ACTIVITIES: Learn how cannons were fired and the cavalry was used; explore what life was like during the War Between the States, including how people dressed and what they listened to; get an up close look at hospital techniques and the role of women; and see period weaponry in action.
CRAFTS: Period vendors will be available with woodcrafts, replica swords, muskets, ironworking, blacksmithing, women’s clothing, uniforms, and music.
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE: Begins at 10:30 a.m. at the pavilion |
