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Plymouth was a strategic port during the mid 1800's and as
such was occupied by Union troops for most of the Civil War.
However, in what was to become the second largest battle fought in
North Carolina, the Confederate Army under native son Robert F. Hoke and
the Confederate ironclad Albemarle,
were successful in dislodging the Union Army and Navy after 3 days of
bitter fighting. The
Torchlight Tour with re-enactors in period uniforms, dress, and props
depict scenes that took place here during the three-day battle.
Witness the events, as soldiers and civilians alike anguished over
life and death.
This year's tour will begin at the historic Plymouth United
Methodist Church located on Third St.
As you walk up the brick pathway through the ancient cedars, you
are greeted by the same beauty and stillness that must have been felt by
citizens and soldiers 138 years ago.
You can envision the worshipers of 1864 walking up the lawn to come
inside, ladies in their finest gowns and bonnets and gentleman in their
Sunday best!
The church doors will open at 7:15 p.m.
Once inside, there will be music and songs for audiences of all
ages to enjoy. This year
there will be a variety of musicians who will be sharing their talents as
a prelude to the tour. Tours
of
20-25 people will leave the church approximately every 10 minutes
throughout the evening with the last tour leaving at approx. 10:00 p.m.
Plan to arrive anytime between 7:15 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The last tour will be as grand as the first.
After you leave the church, your tour guide will lead you to
scenes that are presented in chronological order. They begin with events that happened just prior to the
battle, and follow to surrender. The
final scene will take place onboard a boat out on the Roanoke River where
naval action during the battle will be dramatized.
On the boat tour you will visit the place where the USS Southfield
was sunk by the famous CSS Albemarle
and still rests on the bottom of the river.
The Albemarle was the most successful ironclad of the Civil War.
It's construction and subsequent sinking six months after the
Battle of Plymouth by a daring commando raid will be described in vivid
detail, complete with special effects! For this exciting culmination to the Torchlight Tour you will
be on a 45' pontoon boat from Manteo, the Capt.
Johnny, under the command of licensed captain and owner, Stuart
Westcott.
All the scenes are designed to surprise and amuse, while
presenting interesting aspects of the people's lives that were forever
changed by the events over a century ago.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10.00 each.
Tickets for youth ages 12 -18 are $5. Children under 12 years old and accompanied by an adult are free.
There are bathrooms and refreshments available.
So make plans to attend the most talked about event of the Battle
of Plymouth Living History Weekend. Let
yourself slip back in time for a stimulating evening during the American
Civil War. This opportunity
only comes once a year. Don’t
miss it! |
