Live demonstrations of Civil War military and campground activities will be presented Saturday, April 14 at Blakeley as the historic park commemorates the last battle of the Civil War fought on its grounds April 9, 1865.

The same kind of cannon and musket fire will be heard booming through the trees as re-enactors in period uniform and using authentic reproductions of Civil War guns and equipment will show visitors how that classic “by the book” battle was fought.

In addition to the excitement of firepower, visitors to Blakeley Park Saturday will also have an opportunity to learn some American history from the soldiers and lecturers who will lead the commemorative event.

A Confederate battle flag captured at the Blakeley battle and later returned to Alabama will be displayed by Robert Bradley, curator of the special collections of the Alabama Archives & History Department. Bradley will discuss Confederate flags and answer questions about them. The flag to be displayed is a 42x54 inch authenticated flag captured at Blakeley by a Union infantryman from Illinois.

Bradley also will display and discuss the small journal kept by the Confederate engineer who designed and built the earthworks at Blakeley. The journal discusses the progress of the works and gives the specifications for various features. It is a part of the Archives & History special collection.

Park visitors Saturday may tour by boat the water battery sites along the Tensaw where isolated Confederate soldiers held out a number of days after the fall of Blakeley. Both Confederate and Union ships participated in the naval portion of the all forces Blakeley engagement.

Saturday's schedule includes:

• 9 a.m. Park Gates open.

• 9:30 a.m. Boat tour for 1 to 1.5 hours with narration

• 11 a.m. Photos and discussion of wooden cannon fired at Blakeley

• 1-3 p.m. Flag display and talk by Bradley

• Artillery and infantry fire and skirmishing throughout the day.

• Soldiers’ camp grounds open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• 5:00 p.m. park closes to day visitors

Admission to the park for the event is $5 for adults, $3 for children age 6-12 and free under 6. There is an extra charge for the boat tour of $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free under 6.

Concessions are available at the site from the Blakeley Park wagon or visitors may bring their own picnic lunches or refreshments.

Activities are scattered throughout the park. Visitors will be given a map showing the locations of the activities when they enter.

Blakeley State Park is located on Alabama Highway 225 about 4.5 miles north of where it intersects with U.S. 31 at Spanish Fort. For more information call 251-626-0798 or check the web site at www.blakeleypark.com .

Blakeley Park holds a Civil War battle commemoration every other year. The 2007 event is a small scale living history demonstration. A major celebration of the battle is being planned for April 2009 in conjunction with Baldwin County’s Bicentennial observation.