Civil War Reenactment this weekend
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By BETH ZUMWALT
David Camphouse/Pike Press
A Confederate artillery unit prepares for action prior to the start of the 20th Lincoln Days Civil War Reenactment at Lake Pittsfield last year. This year’s reenactment is this Saturday.
The first weekend of June means one thing in Pike County. It’s Civil War Re-enactment time.
The event kicks off Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Pittsfield City Lake with the presentation of Naval Colors and a Civil War program. Following throughout the morning will be music by Chris Vallilo, The Soldiers Aide Society program, the Ladies and Gentleman fashion show and lemonade party, and Civil War make-up program.
At noon, the 10th Illinois Cavalry Band will perform and there will be another concert by Vallilo.
The first battle of the weekend will start at 1:30 p.m.
Events continue in the blue and white tent including President Lincoln, General Grant and General Lee discussing the war.
A new highlight of the weekend will be the display of the H.L. Hanley, the first submarine to sink an enemy ship. The H.L. Hanley went on three attempts and sank and killed both sets of eight crewmen. A third attempt managed to sink the Housatonic, a Union battleship, but the Hunley also sank and another set of eight seamen died. H.L. Hanley was on the second attempt and perished in that voyage.
The submarine operated from 1853-64 lay on the ocean’s bottom until 2000, when it was raised and restored.
“Business man Ted Turner paid for an exact replica to be built and that’s what we will have at our re-enactment,” Kathy Zimmerman, organizer of the event, said.”There is quite a story to go with the submarine.
Zimmerman said when the ship was raised, the remains of the crew were still onboard. Pictures of two of the men were obtained and forensic scientists were able to recreate the likenesses of the remaining men.
Sunday the day will continue at 10 a.m. when the camps open for visits by the public and a worship service and Memorial serve in the blue and white tent.
There will be a United State’s Commission program in the blue and white tent.
The Magical Mysteries of Sean Lewis in blue and white tent will proceed to another concert for Chris Vallillo.
At 1:30 there will be the final battle reenactment.
The event is sponsored by the Abe Lincoln Project/Looking for Lincoln in Pike County and the city of Pittsfield. Shuttles will be provided to transport visitors from the parking areas to the site of the activities.
