Ever wanted to step back into American history?

Christmas at Fort Steilacoom, a guided candlelight tour that depicts the history of the holidays, will be held Saturday, Dec. 14.

"This is a signature event," Joe Lewis, secretary of the Historical Fort Steilacoom Association, said as we talked in Quarters 4. 

"We picked the year 1863 because it allows our guests to see what Christmas was like here 150 years ago."

It will be quite an historical look back.

Beginning at Quarters 4, visitors will be escorted by territorial militia soldiers holding lantern lights by to three other historic buildings where the visitors will observe reenactors playing various roles.

"People will be able to eavesdrop on the conversations being held as about 30 reenactors talk about the events of 1863," Lewis continued.

>>> Pine greens adorn the mantel of a fireplace in Quarters 4 in preparation for Christmas at Fort Steilacoom. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

The music, clothing and furnishings accurately depict the time period.  The four quarters in which soldiers and officers lived are in perfect condition.

Not only will the reenactors portray soldiers, but also civilian wives, children and citizens from the Town of Steilacoom.

"The soldiers who stayed here at Fort Steilacoom were paid in gold coin every four months," Lewis pointed out.  "They would spend their money in Steilacoom."

By the Christmas of 1863, Gen. George Meade had won at Gettysburg; Gen. Ulysses S. Grant had won at Vicksburg; and President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was well known.

"This event is a great opportunity to step back into time and witness what Christmas was like here at this place," Lewis concluded.

"It should be an exciting evening."

Tickets are available at the door for a very reasonable price. 

Christmas at Fort Steilacoom, 4-7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, Fort Steilacoom, 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, historicfortsteilacoom.org