EXPERIENCE CIVIL WAR DAYS AT DETROIT'S HISTORIC FORT WAYNE JULY 7-8

Experience the thunderous cannons, charging bugles, and smoking muskets of live battle re-enactments at Civil War Days at Detroit's Historic Fort Wayne on Saturday July 7 and Sunday July 8, hosted by the Detroit Recreation Department and the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition (HFWC). Building off of last year's record attendance, hundreds of visitors are expected to turn out for this weekend of living history. Historic Fort Wayne is located at 6325 West Jefferson, at the foot of Livernois.

�Civil War Days allows our visitors to enjoy a unique historical experience," said Loren S. Jackson, Detroit Recreation Department Director. "Through re-enactments, you can see how battles were fought during the Civil War on the same grounds where soldiers were trained.�

Visitors will also be treated to infantry, cavalry, and artillery demonstrations, performances by the 5th Michigan Regimental Band, puppet shows for children, crafts, and blacksmithing. Other major attractions include civilian, Union and Confederate camps, which will be open to the public.

�Word is getting out about both Civil War Days and Historic Fort Wayne," said Will Eichler, HFWC Vice-Chair. "Along with the HFWC and volunteers from all over Michigan, re-enactor groups are traveling here from as far away as Illinois, Ohio, southern Indiana, and Toronto. Each group has its own specialty and will be working together to give visitors one amazing historical weekend.�

Historic Fort Wayne first opened in 1845 and served as an Army post for 125 years. It is one of a handful of star forts left in the U.S. The fort is also one of a few remaining sites in Michigan where soldiers from the Civil War trained.

Since 2004, the HFWC has been active in the preservation and restoration of Historic Fort Wayne, which underwent more than $2 million in restorations in 2006. Most of the funds went to restore the 1848 barracks inside the fort.

Visitors who would like to learn more about the Fort�s history, recent restorations, and/or future plans are encouraged to take a HFWC group tour, which meet at the information tent near the entrance to the fort.

Group tours are $3 per person, parking is $5 per car, and admission is FREE. Doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. For additional information, including maps of the fort, directions, and coalition photos, go to www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com