Invitation from Fort Tejon

What was it like to visit a small fort settlement on the American frontier in 1856? Step into living history at Fort Tejon State Historic Park this Fourth of July for a unique celebration.

Be there by 12 noon sharp for a 31 gun salute from the fort’s cannons to honor each state in the union (in 1856).

Bring a picnic lunch, family and friends. Frontier games and contests such as three-legged sack races, pie eating contests, tug-of-war battles, an egg toss and a hilarious game of town ball will follow.

“You’ll enjoy talking with soldiers who grumble about fatigue details. Visit the blacksmith at his forge, the carpenter in his shop, or the soldiers in their barracks. Servants, cooks, officers, laundresses and laborers are eager to share their stories with you,” says the Fort Tejon website.

“You will be able to surround yourself with the sounds, sights and colors of the past. Smell and hear the bubbling stew simmering over an open- hearth fireplace. Hear the musketoons fire, the blast of the cannon, and see clothing of the era.

“You can talk with the women mending clothes, soldiers polishing brass, people stomping around in the adobe brick pit. You can try your hand at churning butter or learn from children playing a game of ‘graces.’”

This may be your last opportunity to enjoy this feast of fun from days of yore.

Fort Tejon State Historical Park is among those on a list of state parks to be closed this summer due to state budget problems. Take the opportunity while you can to enjoy this special treat.

—Compiled by P. Hedlund

This is part of the June 29, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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