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Spectator Information
The Battle of Aiken is one of South Carolina’s
premier tourist events. The living history commemoration has won the
governor’s award for Carolina’s
best tourist event. It has also won the Dr. James Butler national award
for the best living history event. The event features two full days of
activities including exciting battle scenarios. Don’t miss the fun!
When? - Saturday, Feb. 21st and Sunday,
22nd, rain or shine.
Time? - 9am
to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday--------programs, tours, seminars start at
9 and continue through the day. Battle is at 2:00
each day. We suggest you arrived by 10:00 to get best seats etc.
Church? - Special period church service at 11:00
Sunday.
Where? - Take 1-20 to the Hwy 19 – Aiken exit. Turn
south towards Aiken. Take left at Powell Pond Road and follow
signs.
What to bring? - blanket, plastic, or quilt to sit on. A
special ground sitting area ‘up front’ will be available to those
sitting directly on the ground. Lawn chairs, cameras, umbrellas, video
cameras welcome.
Children? - Children are invited to interact with the
soldiers in the camps and have them ask questions. This is rare
educational opportunity for kids.
Food? - Enjoy a taste of the old south! BBQ
Sandwiches, chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, fajitas, steak & cheese,
snacks, ice cream, cotton candy,
old time kettle korn.
Drinks? - Soft drinks, coffee, tea, lemonade, old
time root beer.
Crafts? - Period art, woodcrafts, replica swords,
muskets, ironworking, blacksmithing, women’s clothing, uniforms, and
music available.
Parking? - Free at site.
Handicap? - Special parking available
Description? - Period soldiers, cavalry, and cannons will
fight a recreation of the Battle of Aiken in 1865 and Sherman’s march. Recreated campsites
available for touring.
Presentations include how cannons
were fired; period hospital technique; how the cavalry was used;
women’s role in the war; period dress; infantry drill; evolution of
musket; period music. All presentations start at 9:00 AM and run till
5:00 PM.
Band - Unreconstructed,
a period band in uniform from Alabama
will play in the evening.
Attendance? - Spectators from all over the country come
to see this event. Annually 10,000 to 15,000 attend. It is a must see
for kids to see. Bring the whole family.
More information? - See Friday’s (Feb21) Augusta Chronicle,
The State, or Wednesday’s Aiken Standard.
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