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Civil War Re-enactments in Doniphan, Missouri

The Civil War has always been greatly studied because of its impact on the nation, and Civil War re-enactments have become a fast-growing hobby. Re-enactments are not only educational, but also build a strong sense of pride in American heritage. Missouri took the side of the Union in the war, even though it was a slave-holding state. As a border state, Missouri played a crucial role in the war.

The Civil War in Missouri
- During the Civil War, more than 1,000 battles were fought on Missouri soil, more than any other state besides Tennessee and Virginia. Many Civil War re-enactments take place across Missouri, including the annual Civil War Days in Doniphan, which is in Ripley County in the southeastern part of the state. During the war, many Confederate forces entered Missouri from Arkansas through Ripley County.
Civil War Days
- Every April, Doniphan holds its annual Civil War Days. The two-day event is held at the historic Heritage Homestead in downtown Doniphan. Visitors can walk through a re-created Civil War encampment and a blacksmith shop opens to the public with forges running and daily demonstrations. Food and craft vendors are set up throughout the area as well. Admission is free.
Re-enactments
- During the Civil War Days, re-enactors perform artillery drills and fire authentic cannons throughout the day. In the evening they re-enact a battle, the highlight of the events for most spectators.
Travel Information
- Doniphan is about 80 miles west of Interstate 55. The nearest airports to Doniphan are Jonesboro Municipal Airport in Jonesboro, Arkansas, 70 miles away; and Cape Girardeau Regional Airport in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 110 miles away. The town of Doniphan is small, with a population of 1,864 people in 2009, and it serves as the county seat.

Spectator Hobbies