Elmira's Civil War Story

The living history mission is to recreate the arrival of the first detachment of Confederate POW’s in Elmira, NY, on July 6, 1864, establish a military prison camp operation,  with an integrated civilian component, conduct a building dedication and memorial ceremony at the National Cemetery.

 

In addition, the event is also a Preservation Challenge that encourages, but is not required of, participants to raise a $75 donation to support completion of The Friends of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp, Phase Two, site development plan consisting of the reconstruction of an  historical building attributed to the original camp. and establishment of an endowment for the ongoing operational maintenance of the building. Phase One consisted of attaining 501(c)(3) status and property acquisition. Future site development plans will be announced at the building dedication.

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Participation is divided into three components - US military, CS military and civilians. Each component has established standards.

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READ THIS SECTION AND YOUR IMPRESSION GUIDELINES PAGE BEFORE DOWNLOADING & SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION. BY SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION YOU ARE AGREEING TO THE EVENTS STANDARDS.

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                                                                    The following applies to all participants. 

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•  Participants apply as individuals and asked to provide a photo showing the planned impression to be approved by the impression coordinators before being accepted.

• Read your impression guidelines and if you have any questions,contact the appropriate coordinator.

• NO WALK ONS.

• You are only considered registered upon submission of application, photo and payment.

• Impression coordinators have the final say regarding individual standards.

• Specific camping guidance will be outlined in the respective impression requirements

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***SAFETY CAUTION***

This event will be held adjacent to the Chemung River.

The river current is swift & deceptively strong.

Children should be under observation at all times. 

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July 6 1864, marked the arrival of the first detachment of CS POW’s in Elmira from Point Lookout, MD. Event activities will take place on the original grounds of Barracks #3, that served as both a Union training and Confederate prisoner of war camp. The POW transfers came from Point Lookout, MD, predominately comprised of those participating in operations around the Harris Farm, Spotsylvania, VA, May 19-20, 1864. Participants will have an opportunity to march the original 1.25 mile route from the local train station to the site of the original Barracks. Activities will take place on grounds of the original Barracks #3. Appropriate activities engaging civilian participants are based on the historical opportunities available to the citizens of 1864 Elmira.

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The goals of the event are to:

• Raise awareness of the Friends of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp’s mission (www.elmiraprisoncamp.com) & dedicate the reconstructed original camp building

• Recreate the arrival of the first POW detachment in Elmira July 6, 1864 via the original 1.25 mile march route from the Erie RR station & establish a prison camp operation on original ground at Barracks #3.

• Conduct a memorial ceremony at Woodlawn National cemetery

• Conduct a preservation challenge of $75/participant for preservation projects and educational programs

• Generate additional historical research about Elmira’s Civil War story 

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Impressions 

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Military force structure may be adjusted to maintain a 2:1  CS to US ratio . US troops may be be asked to move into the CS ranks to achieve this distribution.

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Union  (capped at 100) – 16th Veteran Reserve Corps & miscellaneous troops quartered at the Elmira Rendezvous

Camp Commander – Alex Stowe (alexander.stowe@gmail.com)

Company Recruiters

            1st Company (30 men) - Joe Bordonaro (joe1861@gmail.com)

            2nd Company (30 men) – Dave Towsen  (grumpydave58@comcast.net)

            3rd Company (30 men)- Pete Berezuk (pete.berezuk@gmail.com)

Commanders will assign all other ranks.

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US Colored Troops (10 men) - TBD

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Confederate (capped at 200) – Mixed impressions, historical roster for 1st person selection, contact coordinator.

CS Coordinator – Phil Guenther (fallstoomuch@yahoo.com)

Ward NCO’s TBD based on final registration numbers. All others will be privates. NO CS officers.

 

Civilian (capped at 100) - Representative of citizens residing in the town of Elmira in July 1864. Links to local data including a directory detailing businesses, residents and fraternal organizations posted separately.

Civilian Coordinators – Terri Olszowy (olszowytm@yahoo.com) / Joan Bartlett (jeb13@cornell.edu Military registration fee- $25 includes rations

Civilian registration fee -$20