Many on both sides believed that the war would quickly come to an end. However, Confederate victories at Manassas, Virginia and Wilson's Creek, Missouri in 1861 have not brought about an end to the conflict.
As the Spring of 1862 begins the people of neither North or South can have any idea of the year ahead. The Peninsula Campaign, Jackson's Valley Campaign, The Seven Days Battles, the Monitor vs. The Merrimac, Shiloh, 2nd Manassas and Antietam are all as of yet unknown; though quickly approaching in the very near future.
The 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the Civil War or War Between The States has arrived. Join us for a recreation of a formal Civil War era Ball commemorating a pivotal year through period music, dance and military and civilian portrayals of both The North and South. A grand family-friendly evening awaits of Hoopskirted Ballgowns & Martial Uniforms, Belles of the Ball & Gallant Beaux too, lively dancing and grand historic ambience ... all at We Make History's 12th Annual Civil War Ball!
Our theme will be Winchester, Virginia and vicinity on the eve of Jackson's famous Valley Campaign of 1862. We will teach and utilize simple historic dances popular with Americans of the period. Light refreshments will be served. History will be in the making and important despatches could arrive at any time!
Young ladies will be presented to the grand assembly at the Civil War Ball, applauded and promenaded by brave men in uniform.
(Ladies, let us know quickly by email if you are interested in being presented at our 11th Annual Civil War Ball! There are only a limited number of spots available. Historic style attire of the Civil War era is required.)
When: On the evening of Saturday, March 24th guests shall be welcome at 6 for a social hour and photography. The Civil War Ball shall commence at 7 and end about 11.
Where: We have secured the use of a spacious facility in Mesa, Arizona convenient to both the 101 and the US60. Directions shall be sent along with your passes.
What to Wear: If possible, dress for the Civil War Ball as per circa 1861-1865. Alternately, modern evening wear (tuxes, suits with ties and jackets, evening gowns) is welcome. Please see our House Standards below.
Participation in the Civil War Ball is open to well mannered persons of grace and respect. Young people ages 8 and up are welcome to attend this Ball if their parents deem them to be of suitable maturity. It is expected that all attending shall read, agree to and abide by our House Standards. (See below.) Perusal of our Etiquette & Expectations page is recommended as well.
Passes to the Civil War Ball
In advance we request $25 each to participate in this evening of history, dance, gallantry and grace. Advance pass requests will be welcome if received by Tuesday, March 20th. Otherwise passes will be available at the event at $30 each for all.
Please send your check with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
We Make History P.O. Box 1776 Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Alternately you may use your credit card to pay via Pay Pal.
Please note that when using PayPal there is a $1 per pass fee to help cover postage and PayPal expenses.
Family Special~!
For Families of 4 or more (related persons living at the same address) who are attending together we ask for a contribution of $20 each. You may send a check with a stamped, self-addressed envelope and your email address to We Make History, P.O. Box 1776, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142. All requests for advance passes must be RECEIVED by March 20th.
The 150th Anniversary - You could be part of it!
A number of We Make History folks hope to be traveling to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia this June as we have been invited to represent soldiers and associated civilians of the famous Stonewall Brigade at the 150th anniversary reenactment of Jackson's Valley Campaign. Afterwards it is possible that we may visit Williamsburg and other historic locations together. Please contact us if interested in joining in!
Valuable Links to History
Prepare for the Civil War Ball
Experience History
The 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry
The 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
The American Heritage Festival
The 150th Anniversary of the Civil War
Return to
Travel to
Visit Some of Our Past Civil War Balls
The 2011 Civil War Ball The 2010 Civil War Ball
The 2009 Civil War Ball The 2008 Civil War Ball
The 2007 Civil War Ball The 2006 Civil War Ball
Dream a Big Dream
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No copying or distribution of photos, text or any content without express written permission.
We are grateful to our wonderful guests who make the effort with us to create a special ambience and atmosphere of respect. We uphold these standards out of regard for our much-appreciated friends and for the sake of the integrity of our events.
1. The use of either tobacco or alcohol is prohibited.
2. Videotaping is not welcome other than by our house videographer. We work hard to create a special and comfortable historic ambience that all will enjoy and having multiple people videotaping makes some of our guests uncomfortable. Discreet photography is welcome but please leave video equipment at home.
3. No unauthorized distribution of literature is allowed. Nor is this event an opportunity to recruit persons for purposes either modern or historical. Please allow all of our guests to enjoy the evening in peace. That is why they came.
4. These are historic balls and we ask that even those dressed modern conform to certain historic standards. All clothed in modern attire must be at least at a semi-formal level. Modern gentlemen need to be wearing suits or at least jacket, dress slacks, tie and dress shoes. (As per historic standards, jackets and ties need to be on at all times.) Modern ladies should wear long gowns, preferably at or near ankle length - not short dresses or skirts and blouses.
5. Appropriate footwear is required. (i.e. historic footwear, dress shoes, dancing slippers, ballet flats, etc.) Please no sandals, flip-flops or athletic shoes. For the sake of your safety as well as event ambience dancing barefoot is impermissible.
6. We ask that one not enter to be an observer, chaperone or curiosity seeker without having a pass to the Ball and being properly attired.
7. Please either order advance discount passes by the publicized cut-off date (in time to be mailed back to you) or be prepared to obtain your passes at the door (if available) for a higher contribution. These events are publicized far in advance in order to serve you well. They do sometimes fill up early.
8. We do not offer refunds or exchanges.
9. Our standard age policy is that ages 13 and up are welcome to participate and that ages 8-12 may participate if parents deem them to be sufficient in manners and maturity. The dress standards for these young ladies and gentlemen are the same as those for adults. (Please see #4 above.)
10. Gracious and respectful conduct & conversation are expected of all, to all and at all times.
11. We desire to be good stewards of the facilities we use, to treat them with care and to leave them in at least as good of condition as when we arrived.
12. For the good of all, any who might consider themselves exempt from any of the above may be asked to leave.