The re-enactment lives
By Addison Mumm
Although a re-enactment was not on the agenda for 2015 last year, the Villa Louis is proud to announce the re-enactment of the War of 1812 will take place Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, on the Dousman’s grounds.
During the War of 1812, Prairie du Chien was involved in a battle, specifically July 17, 1814. This battle was the only battle that took place in Wisconsin during the War of 1812.
“People can see Wisconsin’s only War of 1812 battlefield and visit a historic encampment and battle re-enactment, on the west lawn of the Villa Louis estate located in beautiful Prairie du Chien, on the banks of the Mississippi River,” said M. Susan Witters, Villa Louis Office and Museum Store Manager.
Prairie du Chien prides itself on its history; this event celebrates what has happened and how it has shaped the town, state and country today.
“Though largely unknown and misunderstood, the War of 1812 was a turning point in Wisconsin history” said Susan Caya-Slusser, site director for Villa Louis. “The true-to-life event will take place on the very ground where it actually took place over 200 years ago.”
Camp set-up and registration will start at 9 a.m. Friday, July 17, while the public festivities begin the following day. At 9 a.m., a general camp meeting will take place followed by the grand parade with morning colors at 10 a.m. Infantry, artillery drills and inspection will take place at 10:30 a.m.
The Americans will interrupt the British parlay with the Indians at 11:30 a.m. After that exchange, the children will take over the schedule with planned games and events such as mini militia at 12:30 p.m. The skirmish at the blockhouse will begin at 1:30.
Don’t be alarmed when the Battle of Prairie du Chien commences at 3 p.m. After the gun smoke settles and the injured are mended, rum and whiskey rations will be given to re-enactors only after the evening colors are presented.
Starting Sunday, July 19, at 9 a.m., the encampment will have a brief meeting with officer updates. Powder rations will follow.
The grand parade and the presentation of the morning colors afterward will take place at 10 a.m. Teams will compete at 11:30 a.m. for a musket reliability competition. Re-enactors can enjoy their rum and whiskey rations at high noon.
Kid games and events will begin at 1 p.m.; there will be another mini militia with kids’ games. The infantry and artillery drill will start at 1:30 p.m.
Another Battle of Prairie du Chien will begin at 2:30 p.m. After the battle has been won, the evening colors will be presented at 4 p.m., and the camp will be dismissed.
As in years before, the event will highlight what it may have been like for soldiers and others involved in the battle.
“There will be various vendors on the grounds with interesting items available for purchase,” said Witters.
The re-enactment will present to the public the assault on U.S. Fort Shelby, which is located in the backyard of the Villa Louis. The public will be able to tour the camps and learn more about military life during 1814.
The Villa Louis Mansion will be open for tours throughout the event. Food and beverages will be available on the grounds. Admission is charged, but children 4 years and under get in free. In addition tot he battle and the encampments, admission includes a tour of the Villa Louis mansion complex, gardens, grounds and the Fur Trade Museum.
