Ninth Virginia Confederate infantry chat before "battle" Photo: Gilbert Gonzalez

Hayes Presidential Center's Annual Civil War Encampment

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio, is situated on President Hayes' Spiegel Grove estate. The Center endeavors to fulfill its mission statement -- to promote an understanding of the 19th president, the Gilded Age, and leadership -- through its varied programming. The creation of the annual Hayes Civil War Encampment carries out this mission. This special program commemorates both the birth of President Rutherford B. Hayes and what he considered his most significant accomplishment in life -- his role as a soldier. "For President Hayes, his participation in the Civil War was the defining moment in his life," said Hayes Presidential Center Director Roger D. Bridges.

The two-day Hayes Civil War Encampment had its beginnings in 1992 as a birthday celebration for President Hayes. It continues to be held on the first full weekend in October closest to the President's October 4 birth date.

Musical performances and historical plays provide education and entertainment, while re-enactors describe the daily lives of soldiers and other citizens of the late 1800's. Nearly 15,000 people attend the event each year.

Originally submitted by: Paul E. Gillmor, Representative (5th District).

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