Shadows sets Civil War Sesquicentennial tour

NEW IBERIA -- Shadows-on-the-Teche will hold a Shadows Civil War Sesquicentennial events Nov. 2, 3 and 9. The plantation home is located at 317 E. Main St. in New Iberia.
Throughout the nation, the Civil War is the focus of many lectures and studies as U.S. citizens study topics related to the war in commemoration of its Sesquicentennial.
In November, the Shadows Civil War Encampment, a Civil War Tour and a Civil War Public Program will be held at the Shadows over two weekends to allow interested participants to explore that era, stated a Shadows-on-the-Teche press release.
November 1863, began the longest period of Union occupation at the Shadows during the Civil War Era. According to Capt. Corey Luke Bonin, area re-enactors are planning special events for this year’s encampment. An encampment weekend.
The following weekend, on Nov. 9, historian Don Frazier and naturalist Kelby Ouchley will lead a bus tour from the Shadows which will concentrate on the local action related to the war from both the historical and naturalist perspectives.
Frazier is the author of two books about military action in South Louisiana titled, “East Texas Fire in the Cane Field” and “Thunder Across the Swamp.”
Ouchley wrote “Flora and Fauna of the Civil War,” which explored plants and animals from the viewpoint of soldiers and citizens during the war period. Ouchley is also the author of “Bayou Diversity.”
The tour will begin at the Shadows visitors center travel to Irish Bend and other sites of conflict between the two armies including Avery Island where Shane Bernard will also speak about artifacts which belong to the families from Avery Island who participated in the war.
The tour has a fee of $25 per person to cover the cost of a boxed lunch which will be served at the Avery Island stop. This tour is limited to available seating on the bus. The tour will leave at 9 a.m. and return to this same location by 2 p.m. Dessert will be served following the tour and prior to speakers presenting a program to the public at 3 p.m.
The public is invited to attend free 3 p.m. program. However, due to limited seating, interested persons should call the Shadows for reservations.
For more information or for reservations for any of the events, contact the Shadows at 337-369- 6446. Admission fees apply to Shadows Encampment and the bus tour.