Civil War Battle Reenactment This Weekend In Yale

The North and the South will meet on the battlefield - and in the ballroom - this weekend in the Battle of Round Mountain Reenactment set in Yale. See military history come to life with battles at 2 p.m. February 23 and 24.

The Battle of Round Mountain was the first battle of the Civil War fought in Indian Territory on November 19, 1861, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Confederate forces under the command of Colonel Douglas H. Cooper clashed with Unionists led by Opothleyahola and followers from the Upper Creek Indians, Comanches, Delawares, Kickapoos, Seminoles, Wichitas, Shawnees and African American slaves and freedmen.

Learn more about the Battle of Round Mountain

On Friday, reenactors set up their winter camps filled with soldiers and camp followers. School children are invited for an educational interchange between noon and 5 p.m. Admission is free on Friday for school children, their teachers and parents.

The battles take place at 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Get there by 1:30 p.m. for the walk from the parking area to the reenactment field.

The camps are located north of the Assembly of God Church in Yale, State Highway 51 about a half mile west of Main Street. Access is from the church entrance.

On Saturday night, join in the historical dancing with period musicians at the Grand Ball. There is also a quilt show held Saturday at the Jim Thorpe Home, 706 East Boston in Yale.

For more information, call sponsoring organization at the Jim Thorpe Memorial Foundation, 918-387-2815 or Linda Frick at 918-387-2676.