Going for the flow

HARTFORD, IL - The struggle by European nations and the fledgling United States for control of the Mississippi River is the basis for a new special event, "Flags over the Mississippi: Struggle for an Empire" scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14 at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, Illinois. "Flags" will feature authentically costumed 1750 - 1812 military units from Great Britain, Spain, France and the United States, as well as Native American groups.

The event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. A candlelight walk through Camp River Dubois and the other military encampments will be held Saturday, October 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Re-enactor groups scheduled to participate include:

The First Royal Regiment of Foote. This is the oldest Regiment of Foote in the British Army, often referred to as "Pontius Pilate's Body Guard." From 1757-1763 the regiment fought in North America during the French and Indian War. In 1757 the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Foote saw action during the capture of Louisburg and in 1760 they captured Montreal. Re-enactors will drill, discuss their uniforms, and fire their cannons.

Milicia de San Carlos. This is a re-enactment group of men, women, and children who portray the Spanish military personnel and local citizens of early St. Charles, Missouri. The military contingent represents the regulars of the Louisiana Regiment and the local militia, both infantry and artillery. Uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment are authentic to the time period of the late 1700s. Weapons include reproduction muskets, rifles and artillery pieces. Their presentation will include a brief historical background on the importance of the Spanish presence in 18th and early 19th century St. Louis area, and will feature artillery pieces being fired.

Les Companies Franche de la Marines du Forte de Chartres. When hostilities broke out at the beginning of the French and Indian War, the Marines were the only French regulars in the Illinois Country. They weren't marines in the modern sense of the word, but fell under the authority of the French Ministry of the Marine, which was responsible for the administration of France's American colonies. The French Marines were independent companies of infantry with recruits from France and Canada. Their presentation will give a detailed description of officer and soldier uniforms and accoutrements. They will drill, parade and fire their weapons by command.

The Detachment. The Lewis and Clark Expedition's William Clark and his men arrived at what would become Camp River Dubois on December 12, 1803. The location was very close to the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, the route chosen for the expedition, and was in United States territory (now the State of Illinois) on the east side of the Mississippi River. Construction of Camp River Dubois began immediately and by Christmas Eve 1803, the men were able to sleep indoors. While Clark oversaw the day-to-day operation of the camp, Meriwether Lewis was busy with official duties. In the spring the camp became a beehive of activities as final preparations were made. On April 1, 1804 Captain's Lewis and Clark formally mustered into service the soldiers and other men who would take part in the expedition of the Louisiana Territory. Throughout the day "The Detachment" will be giving tours of Camp River Dubois and address visitors on the uniforms, weapons, and military life of a United States soldier.

Native Americans. Native American re-enactors will include Jim Hart and Tony Gerard. Hart was born and raised in central Illinois and is of Native American, French, and English descent. He has always had an interest in Illinois and Native American history. He has performed first person interpretation for special events and school programs, and has worked on documentaries for the History Channel and PBS. Gerard has done interpretations from Nova Scotia to Alabama and from Virginia to New Mexico, and he has been involved in 18 different historical documentaries. He was a technical advisor for the History Channel's "The Technology of Lewis & Clark," filmed at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in 2002. Their presentation at this special event will cover clothing, weapons, tools, lodging and utilitarian items used by the Prairie tribes in the 18th and early 19th centuries in Illinois and Missouri.

Illinois Society for the Sons of the American Revolution: George Rogers Clark Chapter. Fourteen historic flags will be on display with a presentation for each flag. View flags from George Washington's personal flag to the present 50 star flag of the United States; Highlight given to all the flags of the Revolutionary War. Uniformed members of the Sons of the American Revolution will present the flags for public display. Once the presentation is complete, members will be available for questions and close up review of the flags. This will be an excellent opportunity for children and adults to learn United States History.

Event Schedule: Saturday, October 13



10:00-10:45 14 Historic Flags Presentation by the Sons of the American Revolution

11:00-11:45 Milicia de San Carlos

12:00-12:45 Les Companies Franche de la Marines

1:00-1:45 The First Royal Regiment of Foote

2:00-2:45 Native Americans

3:00-3:45 Lewis & Clark Detachment:

3:45-4:00 Closing Ceremony: Camp Closed Until 6:30

6:30-8:30 Candle Light Walk Through of Camp River Dubois.



Event Schedule: Sunday, October 14



10:00-10:45 14 Historic Flags Presentation by the Sons of the American Revolution

11:00-11:45 Milicia de San Carlos

12:00-12:45 Les Companies Franche de la Marines

1:00-1:45 The First Royal Regiment of Foote

2:00-2:45 Native Americans

3:00-3:45 Lewis & Clark Detachment:

3:45-4:00 Closing Ceremony:

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (www.illinois-history.gov), is located just off of Route 3 about three miles north of I-270, and is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours.