LEIGHTON-The LaGrange Living Historical Association invites visitors to step back in time
during Recall LaGrange, taking place Friday and Saturday, May 2–3, 2025, at LaGrange College
Site Park. The free, family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and features
living history presentations, reenactments, traditional arts and crafts, music, and more.
LaGrange College, chartered in 1830 as Alabama’s first state college, later became a military
institute before being burned by Union forces in 1863. Since 1988, the LaGrange Living
Historical Association has honored this history through events like the annual Recall LaGrange,
which brings the past to life through immersive experiences and historical interpretation.
Activities scheduled both days include hay-wagon rides, horse-buggy rides, blacksmith
demonstrations, musical entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and bake sales,
book sales, and tours of the Pioneer Village. Visitors can also explore the open observatory and
visit the Country Store.
Special one-day-only events will take place on Saturday, May 3:
• The Distillery Raid reenactment will begin at 2 p.m. in the Pioneer Village, offering a
dramatic look at a Prohibition-era moonshine raid. Visitors can witness a lively skirmish
between lawmen and locals in a historically inspired performance.
• The First Impression Cemetery Drama will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the
LaGrange Cemetery, featuring costumed interpreters who bring to life stories from the
region’s past.
• Civil War demonstrations and displays of war memorabilia, including cannon firings by
SCV reenactors from Tuscumbia and Winston County, will also take place throughout
the day.
“We are thrilled to offer visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the Prohibition
Era raid,” said Louise Lenz of the LaGrange Living Historical Association. “This event not only
entertains but also educates attendees about the storied past of LaGrange College.”
Admission is free, and donations are welcomed at the gate to support the ongoing preservation
of the historic cemetery and park.
The LaGrange College Site Park is located at 1491 LaGrange College Road, just off Highway 157,
eight miles southeast of Muscle Shoals. For more information, contact Colbert County Tourism
at 256-383-0783 or LLHA at 256-702-6953. Updates and announcements can be found on the
LaGrange College Site Park Facebook page.
While you’re out and about, don’t miss the chance to swing by Dawson Distillery just down the
road at 1022 LaGrange College Lane. The Dawson family has been crafting moonshine in the
area for generations, using traditional copper pots and time-honored techniques. You can learn
about their process, hear a few stories, and even enjoy a taste of local heritage. Be sure to
follow Dawson Distillery, LLC on Facebook for updates and more details as the event gets
closer!
Media Release/Maryanne Floyd/Colbert County Tourism
