To commemorate the 156th anniversary of the Siege of Knoxville and Battle of Fort Sanders Mabry-Hazen House will host Civil War Living History Day on Mabry’s Hill on Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 10am-3pm. Living historians from the East Tennessee region will gather at 1858 historic house for a special program on life in the army and at home during the Civil War.
During the Civil War, both North and South occupied Mabry’s Hill and the home. Confederate military forces fortified the site as a supply depot, while U.S. forces heavily fortified the position and officers used the home as quartermaster headquarters. Joseph Mabry, the original owner of the historic house, effectively followed ebb and flow of Knoxville’s position during the war. Initially, he pledged his loyalties to Confederacy, but following the arrival of the Union army in early September 1863, Mabry realigned himself with the Union.
The event will focus on the routine of camp for soldiers in Longstreet’s Army in November 1863, medicine and music during the conflict, experiences of women and civilians during the two-week siege of the city.
There will be extensive public interaction throughout the day Saturday, with a talk on Women during the Civil War at 11am and infantry demonstrations from 12-2PM. The historic house museum will be open for self-guided tours and docents will be dressed in Victorian clothing. Admission is a suggested $5 donation per adult and members are free.
