Charleston reenactor Joyce P. Browning will be bringing Mary Todd Lincoln to vivid life as part of this month's Civil War reenactment, the famed "Rebellion in the Hills." "To know Mary Lincoln is to love Mary Lincoln," noted Browning, who considers it an honor to portray one of the most famous first ladies of American history. The real life Mary Lincoln was a Kentucky native, just like her famed husband. However, where Abe Lincoln had humble beginnings, Mary Todd came from a society family in Lexington, Ky., which was known as "The Athens of the West" in the days of the covered wagon. She was the daughter of Robert Smith Todd and Eliza Parker Todd, who were slaveholders. In 1839, Mary Todd moved to Springfield, Ill., where she was courted by the rising young layer and political star Stephen A. Douglas. However, she was more interested in Douglas's lower-status rival and fellow lawyer, Abe Lincoln. Abe Lincoln and Mary Todd were married on November 4, 1842. Mary Todd Lincoln supported her husband as he campaigned during the election, finally becoming United States President in November 1860. Following Lincoln's election, 11 southern states seceded from the Union. Many upper-class Kentuckians from Mrs. Lincoln's social upbringing supported the Southern cause. Former President James Buchanan, a bachelor, seldom used the White House for formal functions and the home was in shabby condition. Mary Todd Lincoln decided to renovate the White House at public expense at the same time as public spending was increasing to fight the Civil War. Newspapers controlled by the Democratic Party subjected her and the Lincoln administration to scathing criticism. She was reviled by Yankees who saw her as a southern sympathizer due to her family’s southern ties. She was viewed with scorn in the south as a traitor. Browning says Mary Lincoln was unjustly criticized in her day because of slander campaigns by William Herndon, who did what he could after President Lincoln's assassination to destroy her in print. "The public believed him since he was Mr. Lincoln's law partner," Browning said. "Many others joined him for various reasons." Browning said this makes her more focused on bringing the truth about Mary Lincoln to life in her portrayal. She has performed as Mary Lincoln at many different venues in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina and Virginia. This year's Rebellion will feature many traditional attractions as well, including soldier drills and demonstrations; living history displays and encampments; a ladies formal tea; the Civil War Dance Under the Stars; Authentic Sutlers and Blacksmith services, crafts for kids, buggy and pony rides for kids and more. Admission is free to the public so bring the entire family for a weekend of history and fun, thrills and chills at the Rebellion in the Hills on Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23. Activity starts Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. with the Children's crafts; followed by the Ladies Tea and Fashion Show from 11 a.m.-noon at the log cabin; the big battle itself will take place from 2-3 p.m. with Civil War medical demonstrations after the battle; The Coleman's "Haunting War" presentation will take place at 5:30 p.m.; and the Blue Gray Dance Under the Stars takes pace from 8-10 p.m. On Sept. 23, a Civil War church service will be held from 10-11 a.m.; reenactors will be at their campsites available to discuss 19th century life from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. which the public is invited to visit; the big battle will take place at 1 p.m. with another skirmish, followed by 19th century medical demonstrations following; the reenactors will have dinner at 3 p.m. According to Jacquie Tomblin, PRIDE buses will transport guests throughout the park on Saturday and Sunday.