To honor America’s 250th Birthday this year, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association is hosting a
variety of activities that look at various aspects of early U.S. history. One of these activities is
the 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Day on Saturday May 16, 2026. There will be Union and
Confederate encampments in the village park, with programs occurring throughout the day.
The civilian encampment and sutler area, which includes a tin-type photographer, will be
located by the Steeple Building Museum. All Civil War programs are free and open to the
public. Some of the activities include an artillery demonstration, a speech by Union General
John Logan, a Civil War music concert, an evening Civil War era Ball, and of course, a battle.
Besides Civil War Day, there are other events going on in Bishop Hill. The annual Bishop Hill
Quilt Show will be in full swing, with displays at the Colony School and the Steeple Building
Museum. The Vasa Archives will have Make and Take hobby horses for $10 each. A free
course for jumping and racing will also be available. A Pulled Ham Sandwich Stand by
Operation Christmas will be open next to the Colony Store from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more
details about Civil War Day and all other activities, go to www.bishophillheritage.org , call 309
927-3899, email bhha@mymctc.net or check out the Bishop Hill Heritage Association
Facebook page.
Saturday May 16 Civil War Program Schedule
Soldier Encampment all day in the village park; Sutlers and Civilian
Encampment by Steeple Building Museum
9:30 a.m.: Drill at Coopers’ Field
11:00 a.m.: Parade from Coopers’ Field to Steeple Building Museum
11:30 a.m.: Roll Call/Ration Issue in park
Noon: General Logan’s speech in park
1:30 p.m.: Concert by 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band in park
2:30 p.m.: Artillery Demonstration at Coopers’ Field
3:30 p.m.: Battle at Coopers’ Field, followed by Medical

Demonstration in park

6-8 p.m.: Civil War Ball at Bishop Hill Creative Commons

Supporters of the 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Days

Thank you to all the reenactors and volunteers, too numerous to list, who participated this
year. Without all your help and support, Bishop Hill Civil War Days would not have been
possible! Also, thank you to the following organizations, individuals, and foundations for
sponsoring or assisting with programs today: Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation; Bishop
Hill State Historic Site; Community State Bank; Galva FFA; Galesburg Community
Foundation; Geneseo Foundation; Illinois Arts Council; Jim and Cheri Campbell; Neal
and Diana Cooper; and the National Blues. Special Thanks to Regional Media for being
our Media Sponsor.