Springfield
IL
USA
Springfield, IL: Old State Capitol Living History
The Illinois Old State Capitol sponsored the sixth annual Civil War Medical Encampment, held at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield, IL, May 30-June 1, 2014.
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site grounds became a Civil War field hospital as the event kicked off the summer schedule of the “History Comes Alive” program. The encampment began with an educational field day on Friday with hands-on activities for children and a display of medical equipment. On Saturday, following a flag-raising ceremony in the morning, guests enjoyed numerous living history programs and presentations both inside and outside of the historic site, listened to live period music, and helped children win prizes with a historic scavenger hunt.
Throughout the weekend, meet the generals and political leaders of the Civil War, view Civil War medical displays, and spent time among Civil War reenactor camps on the grounds. Guests visited with Civil War character reenactors including Abraham Lincoln and listened to Civil War songs sung around a campfire.
Women’s Soldiers’ Aid Society also supported the war effort. Women’s duties included rolling bandages, knitting warm clothing for sick soldiers, sewing and collecting shirts, socks, slippers and sheets. Women’s displays will be on the grounds and in the Senate chambers of the Old State Capitol.
Pvt. John Pickett talks about Co. M’s Filley gun with spectators at the Old State Capitol encampment in Springfield, IL, May 30-June 1, 2014.