A Furlough Home - The Swedish Union Guard - 57th Illinois Infantry, Co D.
Schedule
Fri, 15 May, 2026 at 07:30 am to Sat, 16 May, 2026 at 09:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Bishop Hill Colony | Bishop Hill, IL
Advertisement
Registration is now open! https://nationalblues.org/a-furlough-home.htmlA Furlough Home! May 15-16 Bishop Hill, Illinois!
Please note: the registration page may be a bit difficult to view on your phone at the moment. I’ve only had time to fully format the desktop version. Updates coming.
This year, participants will need a correct federal forage cap and Fatigue jacket/Sack coat. Additional details can be found on the event registration page. These items are a must have.
This is a unique event—not your typical local reenactment. We are a progressive style event, with a strong emphasis on a uniform standard.
Our equipment guidelines are attainable for both authentic and mainstream reenactors alike. We’re not asking you to drop $1,000 on new gear. The idea is to make sure you have the correct equipment (no matter the maker) and uniform of the average infantry private. Which is a key element of being a veteran reenactor in this hobby. You can be a group leader and still fall in as a private with your guys.
This event is organized by the National Blues, an authentic group based out of Central Illinois.
Our focus will be portraying Company D, 57th Illinois. A Swedish company from Bishop Hill, Illinois—men who hailed from a
Swedish religious colony that dissolved prior to the war.
In 1864, the 57th Illinois returned home on furlough to their families. Which presents a unique opportunity for reenactors with families to participate together. Soldiers will be returning home to Bishop Hill, camps open to the public, army food ration demonstration, period entertainment from a brass band, and much more will take place in an 1860’s historic town. We encourage the whole family to take part if you’re a reenactor/living historian.
Confederate reenactors are also encouraged to help us out… either:
• Portray Federals and “return home with the company” Saturday morning or…
• Dress as civilians to “welcome the boys home” Saturday morning.
Out of all of the events in Illinois, you have an opportunity to do something that happened in your state. Portray it with dignity and truly take part in an event that gives back to the community. You will not find a friendlier historic town in Illinois that is going out of their way for the reenactor/living historian. Skip a poorly organized local event to make this one. You won’t be disappointed.
Confederate organizations, if you’re interested in taking part in this event. Please reach out as soon as possible.
Visit the link to register and find out all the information concerning, uniform Guidelines, Company Structures and more!
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Bishop Hill Colony, Bishop Hill, Illinois, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
