Fort Frederick Hosts French and Indian War Muster

Fort Frederick State Park will take visitors back in time to the French and Indian War with volunteer re-enactors portraying French, British and American Indians of that time period.

The French and Indian War Muster will take place Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Activities throughout the weekend will give citizens a firsthand look into the lives of the people who fought on Maryland’s western frontier during the French and Indian War,” Park Ranger Rob Ambrose said.

Highlights of the event include:

• Flag raising ceremony with French, British and American Indian encampments opening at 9:30 a.m. both days
• Battle demonstrations at 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday
• British engineering presentation at 11:15 a.m. Sunday
• Exploration into the naval uses of rivers during the French and Indian War at 12:45 p.m. Saturday
• Flag lowering ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday
• American Indian programs at 10 a.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday
• Military music from the time of the French and Indian War at 3:30 p.m. Saturday
• Colonial-period religious service at 9 a.m. Sunday

This weekend program takes a deeper look into the relationships between the different cultures that battled over North America. The French and Indian War, fought between 1756 and 1763, changed the culture, fabric and landscape of the North American continent forever. The conflict, which pitted the French and their Indian allies against the British and their Indian allies, brought destruction to Maryland. As a result, colonists constructed Fort Frederick in 1756 as their main line of security for the frontier.

Food, gifts, and souvenirs will be available for sale at Captain Wort’s Sutler Shop. The Clear Spring Lions Club will have chips, hot dogs and water for sale. An expanded group of 18^th century reproduction wares will also be available during the program.

There is a service charge of $3 per car for residents and $5 for nonresidents. Disabled access is available; however, most of the event activities are situated on grassy areas that may present difficulty. Please dress for weather.