There are many American frontier stories on this site which offer a glimpse into our nation’s past. In fact, when you’re vacationing in the western United States there are almost too many sites to list that have it as their goal to tell the story of the settlement of the West. One of the added benefits is that almost all of these historic sites cost nothing or very little to visit. It’s a way to have a fun yet inexpensive family vacation and at the same time pick up a lot of knowledge about how our nation was built.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During the course of a year there are also many historic reenactments presented all over the country. Reenactments are very popular for many reasons including the color and excitement of history coming to life. Probably the best known creator of historic reenactments was none other than Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West performances. These performances thrilled people all over the United States and Europe for decades. One of the most unique things about the Wild West reenactments were that many of the performers actually participated in some of the events depicted. The Sioux chief Sitting Bull actually played himself for four months with Buffalo Bill’s troupe during the early 1880’s.
Reenactments are portrayed today by a variety of organizations and their volunteers. Some are acted out at National Parks, private museums, historic sites operated by local historical societies, and of course at many state parks. The trick is to find the ones that interest you and work the dates into your vacation plans. Many people reside near some of these reenactment sites and can work them in to a low cost weekend side trip.
When thinking about historic reenactments, the traveling public might first think of battle reenactments. There are many of these spread all over the country ranginf from Civil War battles to the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana. Most of these battle reenactments take place either at the actual battle site or fairly nearby.
Another popular reenactment in the American West is that of the old wagon trains. Each year there are numerous locations around the U.S. where wagon train journeys and events take place where the public can get a bit of the experience that our pioneer ancestors endured. While these are fun events they certainly aren’t as dangerous and arduous as the actual journey during the 1800’s.
Here is a partial list of reenactments staged throughout the year.
The Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment- The Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment is held on the banks of the Little Bighorn River. This is where Sitting Bull’s camp was between the Crow Agency and Garryowen Montana. The location is about one hour south of Billings Montana. 2012 dates are June 22-24.
Pony Express Reenactment- The Morongo Basin Horsemen’s Association in Yucca Valley California puts on an annual Pony Express reenactment. Check their website for 2012 dates. Morongo Basin Horsemen’s Association.
Pony Express Reenactment- St. Joseph Missouri which was the eastern terminus for the old Pony Express route hosts reenactments along with other interesting events pertaining to the Pony Express and wagon trains. Their tourism website will list dates for all of 2012.
Missouri Civil War Reenactments- This reenactment web site will give a complete list of locations and dates for Civil War reenactments throughout Missouri. Missouri Civil War Reenactments.
The 9th Texas Infantry Red River Battalion- This organization has a list of their 2012 reenactments to take place in several Texas locations. Their website lists events and dates for 2012 plus a lot of additional information about Civil War Texas. Red River Battalion.
For more stories of the American West visit westerntrips.blogspot.com
