WINCHESTER, VA – Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute will host the 154th-anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Cool Spring on Saturday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shenandoah University’s River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield off Route 7 in Clarke County, Virginia. The event will include presentations by Civil War-era historians, living history artillery demonstrations, music by the Hancock Civil War String Band, guided and self-guided walking tours of the battlefield, and special activities for children and families.
The complete event schedule includes:
- 10 a.m. | Site opens with exhibitions about Cool Spring and new works of art in the Lodge
- 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. | “1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaign in a Box” with Shannon Moeck, NPS ranger, Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
- 11:15 a.m. to Noon | Artillery living history demonstration with Lamb’s Rhode Island Battery
- 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. | Lunch with Hancock Civil War String Band at the Pavillion. Participants can bring a picnic lunch, dine on the battlefield and enjoy Civil War music. No food vendors will be on site.
- 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. | Walking Tour of Battle of Cool Spring with McCormick Civil War Institute Director Jonathan Noyalas, including a hike into the bluffs to examine the important role Union artillery played at the battle.
Shenandoah University’s River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield
3:30 p.m. – Memorial wreath laying with descendants of those who fought at Cool Spring
4 p.m. – Site closes
Visitors can also download Touring the Battle of Cool Spring for a personal walking guide to the Cool Spring Battlefield site.
For additional information, contact Jonathan Noyalas at jnoyalas01@su.edu.
