New Salem Militia Reenactment Returns

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County will host a reenacted New Salem Militia encampment April 24-25, marking the first militia event at the historic site in more than a decade.

Volunteer interpreters from Lincoln’s New Salem will portray everyday Illinois militiamen during the Black Hawk War of 1832, offering visitors a look at life in the village during that period.

"This time holds a special place in Illinois history due to Abraham Lincoln’s brief service in the state militia,” said Troy Gilmore, superintendent of Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. "As president, Lincoln looked favorably upon his service, noting later that ‘nothing gave him so much satisfaction in his life as his experience with the militia."

Throughout the event, interpreters will present militia life as it would have been in 1832. Activities across the historic village will include flag raisings and lowerings, company drills, black powder firing demonstrations and company elections. Visitors also will have the opportunity to take part in an 1830s-style church service on Sunday.

The event coincides with Scouting America’s Lincoln Pilgrimage, a longstanding tradition that has taken place for more than 75 years. Scouts from across the Midwest gather at Lincoln’s New Salem to camp, hike between historic sites in Springfield and complete a 19-mile hike between the village and Springfield.

Special hours will be in effect during the event. The visitor center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday. The historic village, trails and recreational areas remain open daily from dawn to dusk.

Located at 15588 History Lane in Petersburg, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is one of 56 sites managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The reconstructed village, built in the 1930s and 1940s through a Civilian Conservation Corps program, features 23 historically furnished buildings, including homes, stores and tradesmen’s shops, along with a tavern, school, wool carding mill, sawmill and gristmill.

The 700-acre park also includes hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas and playground equipment.