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Soldiers
demonstrate firing by rank as a part of the daily infantry
presentations.
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Darke County Parks
First Class
Military Presentations at Civil War Encampment
When the Ohio Valley Civil War Association visits Shawnee Prairie
Preserve April 30th and May 1st, they will bring some of the best
military living history presentations in the country. Daily
demonstrations at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm will include the 35th Ohio
Volunteer Infantry Co. G, 66th Illinois Co. G also known as Birge's
Western Sharpshooters, and 1st Ohio Light Artillery Bat. C.
The infantry demonstration will feature an in depth look at many
different types and styles of uniforms and shoes, a comparison between
the Springfield and Enfield rifles including the mechanics of black
powder firearms, and a peek into the daily life of the Union soldier.
Visitors will observe soldiers perform basic drill maneuvers including
a live black powder firing demonstration.
During the sharpshooter presentation, visitors will learn about target
rifles and the mechanization process that made the Henry and Sharps
repeating rifles possible, see various shooting positions, and
understand the amazing skill it took to be a sharpshooter in the Union
Army. The presentation will also include an extremely telling speed
demonstration comparing a repeating rifle to a standard issue musket.
Lastly artillery men will demonstrate each man’s specific job in the
cannon firing process, show the tools and implements used, and describe
the different types of projectiles used during the war. The
presentation will culminate by firing the smooth bore cannon.
Between demonstrations observe daily life for a Union soldier, discuss
the war effort with civilians, or marvel at visiting ladies’ latest
fashions. The organization also includes Co. A 1st Battalion 19th US
Infantry, US Army Signal Corps, Civil War Civilians, and the 75th OVI
Headquarters. The OVCWA has taught at Manassas, Kennesaw
Mountain, Stones River, and Gettysburg National Battlefields. In July
of 2012 they taught at Shawnee Prairie and in April of 2015 at the
Gettysburg Tecumseh Trail hub, and Darke County Parks is proud to
welcome them back to Shawnee Prairie again.
This free, family friendly event has something to interest everyone.
From the military veteran to the seamstress, the cook to the doctor,
and everything in between, come see how all these pursuits unfolded
over 150 years ago. For any questions or more information about this
exciting and unique event, please call the nature center at (937)
548-0165, or send an email to info@darkecountyparks.org
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