As essayist John Burroughs stated “That which distinguishes this day from all others is that then both orators and artillerymen shoot blank cartridges.” In the spirit of Burroughs’ quote, Pamplin Historical Park staff will offer multiple programs throughout the day, to include presentations of 1856 Independence Day campaign speeches and a ceremony with a cannon fire salute.

All visitors will have the opportunity to join staff for tours of the Breakthrough Battlefield which on April 2, 1865, resulted in the evacuation of both Petersburg and Richmond.

Civil War programming will be joined by an American Revolutionary War living-history demonstration where historical comparisons will be made between the soldiers of both wars. Visitors will see that some inspirations remain the same as Ben Franklin observed in his quote, “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.”

All event activities and programs are included with regular daily paid admission.

Schedule of Events: 

Load in Nine Times

Rifle Musket demonstration

10:00-10:20 am – Demonstration Area

 1857 Independence Day Campaign Speeches

Living History by Gary Helm & Zachary Pittard

10:45-11:00 am – Tudor Hall Front Porch

Independence Day Games

Sack Races, 3-Legged Races, etc.

11:00-11:45 am

Tudor Hall West Yard

Breakthrough Battlefield Tour

11:15-12: pm, 3:30-4:15 pm

Meet at Battlefield Center

Independence Day Celebration

Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance, Artillery Firing

12:30-12:45 pm

Fortification Exhibit

The Breakthrough Nine

Period Baseball Demonstration

1:15 – 2:00 pm

Battlefield Center Field

The Revolutionary War & Civil War Soldier:

A Historical Comparison

Living History by Bill Stallings & Ethan Brown

2:30-3:20 pm

Education Center

 

Ongoing throughout the day:

Breakthrough Presentation

Running time: 10 minutes – Battlefield Center

Slavery in America

Push button – Running time: 20 minutes

Field Quarter