The “Last Stand” is a reenactment of the American Civil War returning to Farmville for the first time in 150 years. It commemorates the day in 1865 when at least 100,000 people on both sides of the conflict converged the south central Virginia town.
It will be held on March 28 and 29, 2015, and will be hosted by a variety of organizations in the Farmville area including: The Heart of your Adventure, with the Farmville-Prince Edward Historical Society, Friends of the High Bridge State Park, Southside Electric Cooperative, and a host of living historians who are dedicated to presenting their authentic portrayals of the events that helped change the face of the American landscape.
“Throughout the weekend, living historians will re-enact the Farmville movements of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union General Ulysses S. Grant,” said Prince Edward County Tourism Coordinator Magi Van Eps. “Their real-life counterparts strategized en route to Appomattox.”
There will be various events held throughout the entire weekend, such as live historians bringing back the events that were held on April 7, 1865. Also included throughout the weekend will be interpreters at the 13 sites, where stories will be told of the day the Civil War came to Farmville.
“Live re-enactments depicting the events at the Confederate Cemetery north of downtown Farmville are also planned,” said Van Eps. “As well as graveside services and the visitations of women mourning their dead, will be portrayed as members of the Farmville Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, bring to life the aftermath of the battles of Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge.”
Volunteer opportunities are going to be available throughout the weekend. “This has never been done here,” said Van Eps.
The volunteer opportunities will include interpreters, tour guides, parking lot ambassadors, informational booths and many more. Any one interested in getting involved, should visit the website (http://vols.pt/LPx6S3).
Van Eps continued to say, “We have no idea how many people to expect, but we anticipate up to 5,000 visitors here in Farmville over the weekend. We want to be ready to welcome them, and help them become acquainted with what we have to offer.”
For more information about the event, please visit www.theheartofyouradventure.com for specific dates and events.
The event itself is a great opportunity for the entire area to become involved in, and learn about the rich history located in Farmville.
The Heart of Your Adventure is a collaboration of the Town of Farmville, The County of Prince Edward, the Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Farmville Downtown Partnership.
For more information on the group, as well as “Last Stand,” visit www.farmvilleva.com or contact Prince Edward County Tourism Coordinator, Magi Van Eps, at 434-392-1482 or mvaneps@co.prince-edward.va.us.
"Last Stand" members reenacting a segment of the American Civil War, that will be taking place here in Farmville, Virginia
