200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 in St. Louis

Date: March 5, 2013
Contact: Shelene Treptow, 314-436-9090

Living History volunteers will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the forming of the St. Louis Corps of Artillerists who helped defend the Mississippi Valley from the British during the War of 1812 with a reenactment of the Corps' stories on the Gateway Arch grounds. the FREE event will feature hourly 18th century musket and cannon drills and firing demonstrations.

March 9, 2013, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
(Musket and cannon drills and firing demonstrations to be held every hour on the hour throughout the day)

Gateway Arch grounds, outside by the south leg of the Arch.

While most associate the War of 1812 with Fort McHenry, the writing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and the historic Battle of New Orleans, the war was also fought west of the Mississippi River and many St. Louisans were involved in the fight. Costumed living history volunteers will reenact the story of the formation of St. Louis' company of volunteer artillerists and the role they played in defending the Mississippi Valley during the War of 1812. Living history volunteers will gather on the Arch grounds to tell the stories of the soldiers in their own words and from their point of view.

Each hour on the hour, spectators will also have the chance to witness early 19th century infantry musket and cannon drills and firing demonstrations. The entire event is FREE and open to the public. For more information on the event, call 314-655-1614 or visit www.nps.gov/jeff.

Editor's note The public is encouraged to take advantage of this FREE event, and any mention of this event prior to March 9th would be appreciated. In addition, this event offers some great visuals, and members of the media are invited and encouraged to take video and photos during the event. For additional information, questions or assistance on the day of the event, National Park Service Ranger Doug Harding can be found onsite.

The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, located on the riverfront in downtown St. Louis. The Old Courthouse is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. During the winter months, the Arch's Museum of Westward Expansion is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Gateway Arch partners include the National Park Service, it's cooperating association, Jefferson National Parks Association; and Metro Business Enterprises, who work together with the downtown neighborhoods to make the visitor experience even better.