It's not just a war
Battles and Reenactments mix with social events
for weekend of fun
Socorro – Step back into history as today’s Texas Volunteers descend upon Socorro to liberate it from the Federal Government.
The annual Battles for Socorro plays out on the streets of Socorro starting on Friday, Feb. 27 during the annual Civil War Reenactment sponsored by the City of Socorro and the Socorro Garrison.
There’ll be plenty of action and blasts of cannon during the weekend but also lots to learn about society and life in general during the late 1800s.
In late 1861, a brigade of Confederate Texas Mounted Volunteers invaded the New Mexico Territory to liberate it from the Federal government. By February 1862 the Confederate invasion had progressed up the Rio Grande Valley to Fort Craig where the Union Army was determined to make a stand. After their victory at the Battle of Valverde, the Confederates traveled up to Socorro, and on up the Rio Grande to the famous Battle of Glorietta.
The Siege of Socorro is a running battle from Spring Street to the plaza, an in-town battle unique in the U.S., according to reenactors.
The Socorro event closely follows its historical past as is the standard for Civil War buffs. This year’s reenactment starts with a political rally at the Socorro Plaza. The 6 pm kick-off event will feature Colonel Canby vs Gen. Sibley on “the States’ right to secede.”
Saturday a full day of living history and historical reenactments is planned. Base camps and the battle stations are set up around the Escondida area.
Starting at 8 am, the camps are open to the public where you can observe living history as the troops go about their daily lives.
Battles start at 10:30 am. The action is narrated by a public address system from the Escondida Bridge, so bring an chair and enjoy a live history show.
Saturday afternoon watching the cavalry competition and listen to period music at Escondida.
At 3 pm, attend the Victorian Ladies Fashion Show ad tea Social at the Garcia Opera House in Socorro. Reenactors go to great lengths to wear period clothing – when there were no sewing machines and no polyester thread. And they really enjoy explaining their hobbies.
Then, prepare for the Siege of Socorro beginning at 5 pm as it winds its way to the plaza from Spring Street to briefly fall again under the Confederate flag.
A fandango at the Garcia Opera House will end the evening in fine social style.
Living history, church service and other battles are planned for Sunday. For more information, call the Socorro Heritage and Visitor Center, 575-835-8927 or Chamber of Commerce, 575-835-0424.
Into historical? Glimpse into the past at Socorro Antique Stores
Socorro – There’s plenty around Socorro that is of historical interest – aside from the civil war reenactment. So if you tire of the noise and confusion, or don’t want to study the battles, consider revisiting the past with a walking tour of historical Socorro streets and buildings.
San Miguel Mission, which dates from the early 1800s, sits at the north end of the historical section of old Socorro. For a glimpse of Socorro’s elegant past, stroll along the Park, Church and McCutcheon Streets, to see a variety of architectural styles. The City of Socorro Heritage and Visitors Center has brochures to guide your walk. (Or download them from the city’s website, www.socorronm.gov)
And then there’s the antiques. I don’t know about you, but I’m hard pressed to pass by any sign that says “Antiques.” There are three great antique shops in the Socorro area, each with its own unique selection of ancient and not-so-ancient items from practical to exotic.
Toonda’s Treasures is located in the historic Val Verde Hotel on Manzanares Street. Grab a cup of coffee in the shop as you browse around the three rooms that comprise the south-east corner of the Hotel. From coffee and tea urns, grandfather clocks and hutches, to beautifully clothed ceramic dolls, dishes, home accessories and period memoriabilia, Linda Arteche, owner, has assembled a delightful collection of affordable gifts to delight you. The antique shop and the accompanying coffeeshop are open Tuesday through Saturday. Call 505-407-1528 for information.
Closer to Fort Craig, in San Antonio, the Rio Abajo shop offers a variety of old highway signs, beautiful jewelry, household utensils and books, along with furniture, photographs, and regional memorabilia. Rio Abajo Antiques is open Sunday thrugh Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm and by appointment: 575-835-2872.
Then, north of Socorro, Polvadera Traders sits in the little villa of Polvadera, which is seeing a mini renovation of several of its downtown buildings. Polvadera Traders boasts a large selection of custom-made knives, a museumís worth of old west items including crystal and old lamps, along with a wonderful assortment of old kitchen items and some rare goodies as well. 575.838.3867
Battles and Reenactments mix with social events
for weekend of fun
Socorro – Step back into history as today’s Texas Volunteers descend upon Socorro to liberate it from the Federal Government.
The annual Battles for Socorro plays out on the streets of Socorro starting on Friday, Feb. 27 during the annual Civil War Reenactment sponsored by the City of Socorro and the Socorro Garrison.
There’ll be plenty of action and blasts of cannon during the weekend but also lots to learn about society and life in general during the late 1800s.
In late 1861, a brigade of Confederate Texas Mounted Volunteers invaded the New Mexico Territory to liberate it from the Federal government. By February 1862 the Confederate invasion had progressed up the Rio Grande Valley to Fort Craig where the Union Army was determined to make a stand. After their victory at the Battle of Valverde, the Confederates traveled up to Socorro, and on up the Rio Grande to the famous Battle of Glorietta.
The Siege of Socorro is a running battle from Spring Street to the plaza, an in-town battle unique in the U.S., according to reenactors.
The Socorro event closely follows its historical past as is the standard for Civil War buffs. This year’s reenactment starts with a political rally at the Socorro Plaza. The 6 pm kick-off event will feature Colonel Canby vs Gen. Sibley on “the States’ right to secede.”
Saturday a full day of living history and historical reenactments is planned. Base camps and the battle stations are set up around the Escondida area.
Starting at 8 am, the camps are open to the public where you can observe living history as the troops go about their daily lives.
Battles start at 10:30 am. The action is narrated by a public address system from the Escondida Bridge, so bring an chair and enjoy a live history show.
Saturday afternoon watching the cavalry competition and listen to period music at Escondida.
At 3 pm, attend the Victorian Ladies Fashion Show ad tea Social at the Garcia Opera House in Socorro. Reenactors go to great lengths to wear period clothing – when there were no sewing machines and no polyester thread. And they really enjoy explaining their hobbies.
Then, prepare for the Siege of Socorro beginning at 5 pm as it winds its way to the plaza from Spring Street to briefly fall again under the Confederate flag.
A fandango at the Garcia Opera House will end the evening in fine social style.
Living history, church service and other battles are planned for Sunday. For more information, call the Socorro Heritage and Visitor Center, 575-835-8927 or Chamber of Commerce, 575-835-0424.
Into historical? Glimpse into the past at Socorro Antique Stores
Socorro – There’s plenty around Socorro that is of historical interest – aside from the civil war reenactment. So if you tire of the noise and confusion, or don’t want to study the battles, consider revisiting the past with a walking tour of historical Socorro streets and buildings.
San Miguel Mission, which dates from the early 1800s, sits at the north end of the historical section of old Socorro. For a glimpse of Socorro’s elegant past, stroll along the Park, Church and McCutcheon Streets, to see a variety of architectural styles. The City of Socorro Heritage and Visitors Center has brochures to guide your walk. (Or download them from the city’s website, www.socorronm.gov)
And then there’s the antiques. I don’t know about you, but I’m hard pressed to pass by any sign that says “Antiques.” There are three great antique shops in the Socorro area, each with its own unique selection of ancient and not-so-ancient items from practical to exotic.
Toonda’s Treasures is located in the historic Val Verde Hotel on Manzanares Street. Grab a cup of coffee in the shop as you browse around the three rooms that comprise the south-east corner of the Hotel. From coffee and tea urns, grandfather clocks and hutches, to beautifully clothed ceramic dolls, dishes, home accessories and period memoriabilia, Linda Arteche, owner, has assembled a delightful collection of affordable gifts to delight you. The antique shop and the accompanying coffeeshop are open Tuesday through Saturday. Call 505-407-1528 for information.
Closer to Fort Craig, in San Antonio, the Rio Abajo shop offers a variety of old highway signs, beautiful jewelry, household utensils and books, along with furniture, photographs, and regional memorabilia. Rio Abajo Antiques is open Sunday thrugh Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm and by appointment: 575-835-2872.
Then, north of Socorro, Polvadera Traders sits in the little villa of Polvadera, which is seeing a mini renovation of several of its downtown buildings. Polvadera Traders boasts a large selection of custom-made knives, a museumís worth of old west items including crystal and old lamps, along with a wonderful assortment of old kitchen items and some rare goodies as well. 575.838.3867