Keokuk, IA – The most significant change will take place on the battlefield.
Keokuk Tourism Director Kirk Brandenberger says the Battle of Wilson Creek will be fought on Saturday, April 25. He says, for the previous 21 years, the first reenactment was the first day of the Battle of Pea Ridge.
The Battle of Wilson Creek was fought near Springfield, MO in 1861. The confederates were victorious.
Brandenberger says the change was made to add some variety to the event and to increase interest from the reenactors.
Brandenberger says the second day of the Battle of Pea Ridge will be fought on Sunday, April 26. The Battle of Pea Ridge was actually fought in Arkansas, though the winning general was from Keokuk.
Brandenberger says the location of the battles will also change because of the construction of the new Rand Park Pavilion. He says the battlefield will be moved to the south.
Brandenberger expects more reenactors and spectators this year, compared to recent years, because of a good weather forecast and the price of fuel. He says numbers have been down, of late, for many reasons: time commitment, interest in the hobby, and cost.
Another new event will be the performance of "Abraham Lincoln in Song" by Chris Vallillo of Macomb. The performance will take place at the Grand Theatre at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 23.