The Smith County Historical Society and the East Texas Brigade, Sons of Confederate Veterans, invite you to come and join us for a Living History Event at Camp Ford Historic Park on Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20, in conjunction with the opening weekend of the Azalea Festival. Originally a training camp, Camp Ford became the largest Confederate Prisoner of War Camp west of the Mississippi River. The site is located northeast of Tyler on Highway 271, about one mile north of Loop 323.

Re-enacters from throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana will come together with the Captain James P. Douglas Camp and Douglas Battery of Tyler, to relive the history of Camp Ford. There will be overnight encampments Friday and Saturday nights. Throughout Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 4:00, in addition to Cannon Firings, Infantry Drill, Musket Volleys, and Flag Presentations, there will be vignettes of Prisoners and Guards, Infantry Company Street,Weapons Demonstrations, Soldier’s Equipment and Haversack, Shirt Sewing, and others. Church Service will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday.

Docents will guide groups through Camp Ford Park; signs along the walks tell the story of Camp Ford. Visitors are encouraged to interact with presenters.

This should be an enjoyable and educational event for children and adults.

There is no charge for admission.

For information contact Bob G. Davidson 903-581-7891.