The blue and grey will once again look down the barrels of muskets and cannons in Green Valley Park.
The Civil War re-enactment, The Battle of Payson, is from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 10 at Green Valley Park.
Spring 1862 ...
A border town in a border area, the citizens of Payson have been of divided sympathies in the great conflict between North and South. Cries of “Save the Union!” and “States Rights and the Constitution!” were heard with equal passion on the streets of this formerly peaceful town. But then came news that Confederate soldiers had fired on Fort Sumter — and that Northern soldiers had invaded Virginia.
Rhetoric quickly gave way to organized force.
Confederates were first in garrisoning Payson but the Union has also recognized the town’s strategic value and has sent a force to drive the Southerners out and claim Payson for the Union.
Will the North succeed in capturing the town? Or will Southern forces mount a successful defense? If the Union forces succeed in driving out the Confederates will they be viewed as conquerors — or as liberators?
Perhaps it is a question of perspective, a question upon which the townspeople will have much to say.
Education is part of the story
“We Make History” proudly presents “The Battle of Payson,” a first-person interactive drama featuring soldiers and civilians of the North & South, live battle enactments, interaction with townspeople and military personnel and a tribute to all of America’s veterans both past and present.
The public is encouraged to arrive at noon for a family-oriented day of education, inspiration and highly interactive living history. There will also be a festival atmosphere with food and activities. Admission is free!
More about “We Make History”
“We Make History” is a nonprofit educational organization devoted to family-friendly education that is creative and interactive, making inspirational use of history and the arts.
Nationally known and nationally active, “We Make History” has served families, communities, schools, historic sites and more in our educational mission through historical re-enactments, historic balls, historic portrayals, speeches, seminars, workshops and much more.
The Battle of Payson – 2009
Saturday started out like any other first full day of a seemingly ordinary weekend — sunshine, a bit cool for April, with a mild breeze blowing off the big lake in Green Valley Park.
But change was in the air. One could sense a different day was dawning and many lives would be altered, for some, in ways they could never imagine.
Usual chores were done with the regular pace, the feeling in the air wasn’t hurried, but an indefinable sense that history was being re-made.
And scores of people were heading for Green Valley Park. Some, mostly the young ones, arrived with a sense of playful abandon.
Many picked their observation points with care, not knowing that armies of men didn’t fire at each other according to a game of sport, with neatly lined rows of spectators in chairs watching the action.
No. Battles of war are fought according to the whims of generals and the circumstance of terrain. So, those expecting a front-row seat were soon charged with a change of plan and a need to be mobile.
Of course the folly of war and conflict brings those vendors who see a buck to be made at every opportunity and this venue was no different in that regard.
Food, flags and accoutrements of every kind were on hand for those who could afford the monetary exchange for a keepsake of this historic skirmish.
The first-time event was an accurate portrayal of this period in our nation’s history and how Americans lived, fought for and died for their beliefs.
This year’s Civil War re-enactment is from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 10 at Green Valley Park.