THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, September 28, 1994          TAG: 9409270114
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN    PAGE: 05   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD                         LENGTH: Short :   38 lines

CAVALRY TO RE-ENACT BATTLE AT FORT BOYKIN

The Yankees are coming! The Yankees are coming!

Area residents are invited to see them this weekend at Fort Boykin when the 15th Virginia Cavalry, A Division, of Mahone's Brigade presents a ``Living History'' re-enactment of the May 1862 Civil War battle that ended the fort's military activity.

The re-enactments are believed to be an historically accurate depiction of the Civil War events at Fort Boykin. People participating in the re-enactment program will use authentic uniforms, weapons and equipment.

Built in 1623, Fort Boykin was involved in every major American military campaign until it was destroyed by Union soldiers. Today, Isle of Wight County runs the site, now called Fort Boykin Historic Park.

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the group's re-enactments will focus on daily life for the Confederate soldiers then stationed at Fort Boykin. Included on the day's programs are drills, weapon-firing demonstrations, bayonet practices and, on Sunday, a church service.

At 8 p.m. Saturday, the group will begin its evening program, which ends with a candlelight tour of a simulated naval assault on Fort Boykin.

The event is free. MEMO: To reach Fort Boykin Historic Park from Smithfield, follow U.S. Route 10

north and bear right onto Route 674, which turns into a graveled road,

Route 673. Follow this road until you reach a paved parking lot. ILLUSTRATION: File photo

This weekend at Fort Boykin, Virginians will re-enact the May 1862

Civil War battle that destroyed the fort.

by CNB