Sassafras Tea Festival & Civil War Living History

Area Surrounding the Event

The Sassafras Tea Festival & Civil War Living History event takes place in Vernon, the seat of Jennings County in south central Indiana. The town setting is quintessential Midwestern small town, with the Town Square at the heart of the event. The surrounding area is marked by rolling hills, historic architecture, and several Underground Railroad sites, reflecting Vernon’s deep Civil War heritage. Jennings County is rural and community-oriented, and the event draws attendees from across the region, contributing to a friendly, inclusive small-town vibe.

Event Vibe

The festival is a lively, immersive journey into the 19th century, combining local culinary traditions with living history. The atmosphere is family-friendly and nostalgic, with a strong emphasis on historical education, hands-on activities, and community participation. Expect to hear live period music, smell the aroma of freshly baked goods, and see costumed reenactors transforming the town into a Civil War-era tableau. There’s a spirit of camaraderie—visitors are invited to participate, ask questions, and even join in dances. Accessibility is highlighted, ensuring the event is welcoming to all.

Activities & Event Schedule (Typical Annual Outline)

Below is a representative schedule based on recent years, noting that Saturday and Sunday typically follow a similar structure but with some unique evening events:

Saturday

• Morning:
  Opening Ceremonies (Town Square)
  Civil War Reenactments & Mock Battles (Courthouse Lawn) – Witness skirmishes, drills, and tactical demonstrations.
• Late Morning to Early Afternoon:
  Living History Demonstrations (Throughout Town Square & Historical Society) – Woodcarving, spinning, blacksmithing, and hands-on tutorials.
  Underground Railroad Tours (Various historic sites) – Guided walks through local sites significant to the Underground Railroad, with costumed interpreters sharing local lore.
  Museum Tours (Historical Society Museum) – View over 7,000 artifacts tracing the region’s 200-year history.
• Afternoon:
  Blue/Grey Ball (Vernon Gym) – A period costume dance open to all, featuring live traditional music.
  Food & Bake Sale (Town Square) – Sample fresh-baked pies, traditional mid-1800s dishes, cookies, bread, and of course, sassafras tea.
• Evening:
  Ghost Walks & Mystery Dinner (Historical Society and local venues) – Hear local ghost stories and folklore, enjoy a themed dinner featuring surprising dishes.

Sunday

• Morning:
  Church Service (Location varies, often Town Square) – A traditional 19th-century styled service.
• Midday:
  Continuation of Demonstrations & Reenactments – More hands-on activities, blacksmith shop demonstrations, and living history skits.
  Children’s Activities – Crafts, games, and interactive history lessons.
• Afternoon:
  Closing Ceremonies & Farewell Teas – A communal gathering with music, final speeches, and one last cup of sassafras tea.

History & Founding

The Sassafras Tea Festival dates back to April 1962, making it a beloved and long-standing tradition in Jennings County. It was originally conceived as a celebration of local heritage, with sassafras tea—a traditional spring tonic—serving as the centerpiece. The event quickly expanded to include Civil War reenactments, reflecting the county’s significant role during that era. Over the decades, it has grown into a major regional festival, drawing hundreds of reenactors, artisans, and musicians to recreate and share the county’s rich historical legacy. The Historical Society continues to steward the event, ensuring it remains both authentic and accessible to new generations.

List & Descriptions of All Major Activities

• Civil War Reenactment: Large-scale mock battles, drills, and tactical demonstrations by costumed reenactors on the courthouse lawn.
• Living History Demonstrations: Hands-on experiences in blacksmithing, woodcarving, spinning, and other traditional arts, often with expert interpreters.
• Sassafras Tea Service: Continuous serving of freshly brewed sassafras tea, a local specialty and the festival’s namesake.
• Massive Bake Sale & Food Market: Over 700 fresh-baked pies, breads, cookies, and hot meals prepared with traditional recipes.
• Blue/Grey Ball: An evening dance in period costume with live music, recreating the social life of the Civil War era.
• Underground Railroad Tours: Guided walks through local historic sites, featuring stories of local abolitionists and freedom seekers.
• Museum Tours: Explore a vast collection of artifacts at the Historical Society Museum, chronicling 200 years of local history.
• Ghost Walks & Mystery Dinner: Evening tours sharing local ghost stories and lore, followed by a dinner featuring unusual and themed dishes.
• Children’s Activities: Interactive games, crafts, and educational experiences tailored for younger attendees.
• Church Service: A period-accurate worship experience open to all visitors.
• Live Music & Performances: Traditional and folk music throughout the weekend, often featuring local and regional musicians.

Event Locations

• Town Square: Main stage, food vendors, opening and closing ceremonies.
• Courthouse Lawn: Civil War reenactments, battle demonstrations.
• Historical Society Museum: Artifact tours, some demonstrations.
• Vernon Gym: Blue/Grey Ball.
• Underground Railroad Sites: Guided walking tours at various historic locations.
• Blacksmith Shop: Live forging demonstrations (located near Historical Society or Town Square).
• Local Churches & Venues: Additional activities such as the mystery dinner and ghost walks.

Summary

The Sassafras Tea Festival & Civil War Living History is a multifaceted celebration of Jennings County’s past, offering everything from battle reenactments and living history demonstrations to culinary traditions and community dances. Set against the backdrop of Vernon’s charming town square and historic sites, the event’s immersive, participatory atmosphere makes history come alive for visitors of all ages. Founded in 1962, it remains one of the region’s most anticipated annual gatherings, stewarded by the local Historical Society and sustained by the enthusiasm of residents and reenactors alike.