Old Bethpage Restoration Recreates 1864 Civil War "Picket Post" on May 17

The 119th New York Volunteers and other living history organizations will congregate at Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OVBR) on Saturday, May 17, to recreate a Civil War incident in Spotsylvania, Virginia, that took place on the same date in 1864, when elements of the 6th New Hampshire and 26th Georgia faced each other during a lull in fighting. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.

The event involves soldiers from Union and Confederate infantry regiments setting up opposing outposts, or “picket posts,” the term commonly used by soldiers of the time. The purpose of an outpost was to secure an army against a surprise attack, with pickets or soldiers well in front of and surrounding their main camps. In the event of an attack, the guards were commanded to fire their weapons or send messages to the main guard post in order to rally the troops.

The event at OBVR does not involve a battle; rather, it involves what was a fairly common nonviolent encounter between Union and Confederate troops.

“It’s said that troops on outpost duty would often trade items like good Southern tobacco for some much-prized Northern coffee beans or even exchange newspapers,” says OBVR Site Director and Curator Jim McKenna. “But be warned that there will be some hostile encounters throughout the day as the officers maneuver their patrols to better positions.”

The event is hosted by Company H, 119th New York Volunteer Historical Association, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Civil War history.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration provides visitors with a unique and wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience life in a recreated mid-19th-century American village set on more than 200 acres. Hours are Wed. - Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance fees are $7 for children 5 - 12 (those under 5 are free), seniors and volunteer firefighters; and $10 for adults. It is located on Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage; for more information, call 516-572-8400.