Civil War Winter Camp

Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Experience what life was like for President Rutherford B. Hayes’ Civil War regiment while it camped for the winter with a day of Civil War events on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Spiegel Grove.

Watch reenactors fire their muskets during infantry demonstrations, and see military bands perform and see what the soldiers’ camp looked like during Civil War Winter Camp at Spiegel Grove, the grounds of the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, throughout the day.

Reenactors will make a camp based on the winter camps of President Hayes’ regiment, the 23^rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and show tour participants what camp life was like. New additions to the event this year are a demonstration by the 5^th U.S. Colored Troops Company G and a performance by the 73^rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band.

The tours last about 50 minutes and will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Tickets are required for tours. Band performances and military demonstrations are free, and tickets are not required to attend those.

Schedule of events:

• 10 – 10:30 a.m.  and 1 – 3:30 p.m. - Civil War Winter Camp Tours depart every half hour. Timed ticket required.
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Family oriented tour of the camp. This tour includes a 15-minute kids program, “School of the Soldier,” in the museum auditorium, an outdoor military drill simulation and a camp tour. All ages are welcome. Timed ticket required.
• Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. - Performances by the Camp Chase Fifes and Drums. Free.
• 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - Military demonstrations. Free.
• 1 p.m. – Demonstration by the 5^th U.S. Colored Troops Company G. Free.
• 5:30 p.m. – Performance by the 73^rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band on the Hayes Home verandah. Free.

This is the fifth year for the Civil War Winter Camp, which is an event unique to Hayes Presidential and focuses on winter life of Hayes’ regiment. Between battles, troops often spent time marching and preparing to fight. During the winter months, they would make a semi-permanent camp to await warmer weather and combat.