SPANISH FORT, Ala. - Battlefield history comes alive at Historic Blakeley State Park Saturday as reenactors portraying Confederate and Union troops reenact the assault that was the last battle of the American Civil War 150 years ago.

Encamped on the original battlefield, now preserved by Blakeley Park, more than 150 reenactors will demonstrate the battlefield conditions under which the 83rd Ohio Infantry and other Union troops overran Cockrell’s Confederate defenders of the earthen fortifications April 9, 1865.

The public is invited to come onto the battlefield, see group demonstrations and talk to the individual soldiers at any time between 10 a.m. and until about 3: 30 p.m. At approximately 4 p.m. the battlefield will be cleared of civilians and the final assault will begin by Union soldiers whose lines were only a few hundred yards from the Confederate fortifications built to protect Mobile from attack from the east.

Although the original siege and assault was an all forces engagement featuring exchanges of heavy artillery fire from both armies, the depiction this weekend will highlight infantry encampments and assault.

“This anniversary event is designed to bring students and history buffs onto the battlefield and into the living and fighting conditions of the Civil War soldier.”, said Jo Ann Flirt, director of Battle State Park. “All activities will be accessible with maximum convenience to the public”, she said.

The Civil War encampment also comes on a weekend when spring foliage at the 2,000-acre historic and nature park is near its peak. The anniversary event also features period music by Kracker Dan and his band.

Blakeley State Park is located on State Hwy. 225 about 4.5 miles north of its intersection with U.S. 31 at Spanish Fort. Admission Saturday to the Civil War event is $5 for adults and $3 for children 6-12. Parking and shuttle service inside the park is free. For more information call Blakeley Park at 251-626-0798 or email blakeleypark@aol.com.