JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Aug. 5, 1861, Civil War Battle of Athens will be reenacted at the Battle of Athens State Historic Site Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7. Festivities begin both days with camps opening at 9 a.m., followed by a battle at 1 p.m.

In addition to the battle reenactment, there will be reenactors performing drills, as well as medical and civilian scenarios. Free tours of the Thome-Benning House, also known as the Cannonball House, will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Artisans and sutlers will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. A church service will be held Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Food, crafts and memorabilia will be available for sale. Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket, as there is no seating on the battlefield. This free event is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Civil War Reenactors Association. The schedule is as follows:  

Saturday, Aug. 6

9 a.m. – Camps open

9-11 a.m. – Drill and musket issue

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Museum and house tours

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Food service and artisans and sutlers open

1 p.m. – Battle of Athens reenactment

2 p.m. – Medical and civilian scenarios

2 – 4 p.m. – Museum and house tours

3 p.m. – Traditional Civil War reenactment

Sunday, Aug. 7

9 a.m. – Camps open

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Museum and house tours

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Food service

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Artisans and sutlers open

10:30 a.m. – Church service

11 a.m. – Drill

1 p.m. – Battle of Athens reenactment

2-4 p.m. – Museum and house tours

Where: Battle of Athens State Historic Site is located at 12378 Athens State Park Road in Revere. For more information, call 660-877-9871.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.