To honor America’s 250th Birthday this year, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association is hosting a variety of activities that look at various aspects of early U.S. history. One of these activities is the 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Day on Saturday May 16, 2026. There will be Union and Confederate encampments in the village park all day, 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. All programs are free and open to the public. Some of the activities include 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 battle.
Besides Civil War Day, there are other events going on in Bishop Hill. The annual Bishop Hill Quilt Show will be in full swing, with displays at the Colony School and the Steeple Building Museum. The Vasa National Archive will have Make and Take hobby horses for $10 each. A free course for jumping and racing will also be available. For more details about Civil War Day and all other activities, go to www.bishophillheritage.org , call 309 927-3899, check out the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Facebook page, or email bhha@mymctc.net.
Saturday May 6 Civil War Program Schedule
- Soldier Encampment all day in the village park; Sutlers and Civilian Encampment by Steeple Building Museum
- 9:30 a.m.: Drill at Coopers’ Field
- 11:00 a.m.: Parade from Coopers’ Field to Steeple Building Museum
- 11:30 a.m.: Roll Call/Ration Issue in park
- Noon: General Logan’s speech in park
- 1:30 p.m.: Concert by 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band in park
- 2:30 p.m.: Artillery Demonstration at Coopers’ Field
- 3:30 p.m.: Battle at Coopers’ Field, followed by Medical Demonstration in park
- 6-8 p.m.: Civil War Ball at Bishop Hill Creative Commons
Supporters of the 2026 Bishop Hill Civil War Days
Thank you to all the reenactors and volunteers, too numerous to list, who participated this year. Without all your help and support, Bishop Hill Civil War Days would not have been possible! Also, thank you to the following organizations, individuals, and foundations for sponsoring or assisting with programs today: 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 Alex Timmerman. Special Thanks to Regional Media for being our Media Sponsor.
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