Civil War Weekend at Historic Washington State Park, Prairie D’Ane Battlefield set Nov. 6-7

As part of the America 250 commemoration, Historic Washington State Park and the Prairie D’Ane Battlefield in southwest Arkansas will host Civil War Weekend on November 6–7, offering visitors a look at life during the American Civil War.

“The Civil War was one of the most trying times in our nation’s history,” organizers said. “As we commemorate America 250, come learn about the impact of the American Civil War in southwest Arkansas.”

Civil War School Days will take place at Historic Washington State Park on Friday, November 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. School groups can preregister by calling 870-983-2684. The hands-on program lets students learn the American Civil War through demonstrations, including drilling like a soldier, firing a cannon and exploring how local soldier hospitals functioned. Admission is $5.50 per student.

On Saturday, November 7, Historic Washington State Park, in partnership with the Nevada County Depot Museum, will host “Civil War Weekend: Remembering the Struggles that Made a Nation.” The day begins with a reenactment of the Skirmish at Prairie D’Ane Battlefield at 11 a.m. The April 9–13, 1864 battle was the closest battle to Washington, Arkansas. The reenactment will take place on a portion of the original battlefield at 2243 Hwy 19 North in Prescott, off Interstate 30 at Exit 46. There is an admission fee of $10 per vehicle to view the battle, with military encampments open for visitors.

Following the morning battle, “Town in Conflict” begins at 1 p.m. at Historic Washington State Park, exploring life on the home front in southwest Arkansas. Visitors will experience life for civilian refugees, 19th-century burial and mourning customs, military camps and drills, Civil War-era medicine, a community hospital and 19th-century political issues. The day concludes with a Civil War Period Ball at 7 p.m. Admission for Historic Washington State Park events is $10 per adult and $6 per child (ages 6–12).

Williams Tavern, located at Historic Washington State Park, will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call the park visitor center at 870-983-2684, or visit thedepotmuseum.org/2026civilwarweekend or HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com.