Holiday magic protected at fort

Costumed interpreters depict life in the 1830s at Apple River Fort Historic Site in Elizabeth. The site is a reconstruction of the original fort built by area miners during the Black Hawk War. Special Christmas at the fort events are planned for noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 12. (Submitted photo)

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ELIZABETH – Not many 21st century inhabitants get the opportunity to take part in an 1830s Christmas, but area residents are luckier than most.

A nearby state historic site, Apple River Fort, will sparkle with Christmas cheer from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 12.

Open year round, the site concentrates on Christmas traditions next weekend and sets the stage for the holiday. Those attending will find militia officers and their wives getting ready for a Christmas dance and early German immigrants discussing the new customs and traditions in their lives.

For chilled visitors, hot cider will be available around warming fires, so no one will be left out in the cold.

Another warm spot will be the interpretive center, where a glowing fireplace and the gift shop can be found. Certain items in the shop will be sold at a discount, including stuffed animals, toys, books, and stocking stuffers.

Apple River Fort history dates back to 1832 and the Black Hawk War. Settlers at the fort were attacked in June by 200 Sauk and Fox led by Black Hawk. They were able to fend off the attack from their fort, which was built only a month earlier.

The fighting at Apple River lasted about 45 minutes and ended when Black Hawk and his warriors left the area after raiding nearby cabins. This was the only fight that took place at the fort. It was torn down in 1847, when the lumber was needed for a barn rather than protection.

The fort seen today is a reconstruction. Self-guided tours are offered with exhibits about the Fox and Sauk and the settlers at the interpretive center.

The center and museum shop are a short walk to the fort. Included is a 15-minute video of the war and exhibits that reveal how the fort’s original location was discovered. Along the walk, there will be exhibits about Abraham Lincoln and other famous people involved in the war.

Something to keep in mind for children next summer is the frontier life summer day camp. The kids learn about the 19th century settlers and Native Americans in the area. Activities include wearing period clothing, churning butter, cooking over an open hearth, dipping candles and playing period games.