FORT LARAMIE – The public is invited to attend the “Circle of Fire: Red Cloud’s War and the 18th United States Infantry/2nd United States Cavalry,” at the Fort Laramie National Historic Site on Friday, August 9 for the three-day weekend full of history.

“It is 1866, the time of Red Cloud’s War across the plains. The fort will be alive with the hustle and bustle of soldiers getting ready for action. See the military encampment busy all weekend with camp life, drills, and cooking,” the fort invite released on Facebook. “

The Civil War weekend begins at the historic fort on Friday, August 9 at 9 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony followed by interpretive talk at the bleachers on “Setting the stage: What led up to the conflicts of 1866 – The Circle of Fire” at 10 a.m. 

Another round of interpretive talk at 11 a.m. at the bakery with “Making bread for an army,” followed by a noon lunch cooking demonstration at the infantry camp. 

“Rangers and volunteers dressed in period 19th century clothing will portray the daily lives of the soldiers, civilians, emigrants, and workers at the fort in the 1860’s and how those living here were affected by the rising tensions. A variety of ranger programs will be delivered throughout the weekend and many buildings will be opened to the public,” the invite reads.

The three-day event will feature artillery demonstrations at the bleachers, 1866 US Army drill demonstrations, artillery/small arms/weapons cleaning demonstrations and more. There are many interpretive talks throughout the weekend on a variety of topics such as “War in the West: The battles of Red Cloud’s War,” and “Children at play: Toys and games of the past.” 

The event is free to the public and it also features the lantern tours on Saturday, August 10 at 8 p.m. 

“There will be lantern tours as the sun goes down on the evening of Saturday, August 10. Different scenes will depict the challenges faced during the peak of the Indian Wars and the historic buildings will be illuminated by the flickering lights once again. Lantern-led tours will begin at 8 p.m. and will last about one hour. This event is free to the public,” the public invitation reads.