Finding Union and Freedom in Appalachia: A Civil War Event

Civil War event illustration.

NPS

 

 

Ambrose Burnside's Union soldiers marching through the Cumberland Gap.

NPS Photo

Step back in time to the American Civil War in Appalachia at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The Visitor Center transforms into a Civil War encampment where reenactors portray Confederate and Union soldiers, including members of the United States Colored Troops. You’ll experience demonstrations of soldier life, musket firing, and hear firsthand accounts of life during the war in the Appalachian Mountains.

Learn about the 1864 military operations to capture Confederate saltworks and hear stories of former enslaved individuals who joined the U.S. Army, contributing to the defeat of the Confederacy. Special lectures delve into Unionism in Appalachia and the region's four-year Civil War history. Free daily tours of Cumberland Gap’s Civil War sites are available, offering an in-depth look at key locations. Visitors can follow in their own vehicles or ride in the park's shuttle van for a small fee. Call the Visitor Center to reserve your spot.

In-depth Discussion

September 21st at 1PM
Dr. Aaron Astor of Maryville College will present a lecture about Unionism in Appalachia.

September 22nd at 1PM
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park’s Education Technician, Dr. Lucas Wilder, will present a lecture describing the four years of war at Cumberland Gap.

Tour

Dr. Wilder will lead a 2-hour tour of Cumberland Gap’s Civil War sites each day at 10 AM. The tour is free and starts from the Visitor Center. Visitors can follow in their own vehicles or ride in the park shuttle van for a fee of $5 per person. To secure a spot on the shuttle, please contact the Visitor Center at [phone].

Full Schedule

The event will be held at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Visitor Center

September 21

10AM-3PM – Civil War Encampment

10AM – Weapon Firing

10AM - Civil War Tour Begins

10:30AM – Ranger Talk with Camp Nelson National Monument Ranger Ava Joiner

11AM – Weapon Firing

11:30AM - Ranger Talk with Camp Nelson National Monument Ranger Ava Joiner

12PM – Weapon Firing

12:30PM - Ranger Talk with Camp Nelson National Monument Ranger Ava Joiner

1PM – Lecture by Dr. Aaron Astor (with book signing afterward)

2PM – Weapon Firing

2:30PM - Ranger Talk with Camp Nelson National Monument Ranger Ava Joiner

3PM – Weapon Firing

September 22

10AM-3:30PM – Civil War Encampment

10AM – Civil War Tour Begins

1PM – Lecture by Dr. Lucas Wilder