Taking a trip back to the holiday season during the American Civil War, visitors to Mansfield State Historic Site will learn about the Christmas traditions of the era and how families of Civil War soldiers celebrated the yuletide season with stories, songs, and food! Period holiday sweets such as gingerbread cookies, peppermint sticks, molasses taffy, hot chocolate, and chicory coffee will be available for sampling, as well as a demonstration of how these items were made in a 19th-century kitchen. ABOUT: Mansfield State Historic Site preserves a portion of the Mansfield Civil War battlefield, where the battle of Mansfield or Sabine Crossroads occurred on April 8, 1864. The engagement was one of the largest Civil War battles fought west of the Mississippi, involving almost 30,000 troops. Our park features an interpretive center and museum with exhibits, displays, and artifacts, along with an outdoor picnic area and one-mile battlefield walking trail with interpretive stops. Park staff also conduct ranger-led interpretive programs; be sure to check our events listing for the latest offerings. More Info