2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Day -- May 16.
Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Bishop Hill IL
To honor America’s 250th birthday this year, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association will be hosting a variety of activities that look at various aspects of early U.S. history in the 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Day, the May 16 events including an artillery demonstration, a speech by Union General John Logan, a Civil War music concert, an evening Civil War-era Ball, and, of course, a staged battle.
On Saturday, there will be Union and Confederate encampments in Bishop Hill's Village Park, with programs occurring throughout the day. The civilian encampment and sutler area, which includes a tin-type photographer, will be located by the Steeple Building Museum. At 9:30 a.m., a drill will be held at Coopers’ Field, followed by an 11 a.m. parade from Coopers’ Field to the Steeple Building Museum. The Roll Call/Ration Issue begins in the park at 11:30 a.m., with General Logan’s speech delivered by a powerful reenactor at noon. The part will also host a 1:30 p.m. concert by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band in park, the event followed by a 2:30 p.m. Artillery Demonstration at Coopers’ Field and a vividly staged battle at 3:30 p.m., at which point there will also be demonstrations of Civil War-era medical practices. Held at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons, the Civil War Ball will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
Beyond Civil War Day, there will be other events going on in Bishop Hill that Saturday. The annual Bishop Hill Quilt Show will be in full swing, with displays at the Colony School and the Steeple Building Museum. The Vasa Archives will have Make and Take hobby horses for $10 each, while a free course for jumping and racing will also be available. A Pulled Ham Sandwich Stand by Operation Christmas will be open next to the Colony Store from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bishop Hill extends a thank you to all the reenactors and volunteers, too numerous to list, who participated this year. Without their help and support, Bishop Hill Civil War Days would not have been possible. Thanks also go to the following organizations, individuals, and foundations for sponsoring or assisting with the May 16 programs: Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation; Bishop Hill State Historic Site; Community State Bank; Galva FFA; Galesburg Community Foundation; Geneseo Foundation; Illinois Arts Council; Jim and Cheri Campbell; Neal and Diana Cooper; and the National Blues. Special Thanks to Regional Media for being the event's Media Sponsor.
For more details about Bishop Hill's May 16 Civil War Day and all other activities, call 309 927-3899 and visit BishopHillHeritage.org.
