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Darke County Parks
First Class
Military Presentations at Civil War Heritage Weekend
When the Ohio Valley Civil War Association visits Shawnee Prairie
Preserve April 29th and 30th, 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 tasks 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, camp visitors can observe daily life for a
Union soldier, discuss the war effort with civilians, or marvel at
visiting ladies’ latest fashions. The OVCWA has taught at Manassas,
Kennesaw Mountain, Stones River, and Gettysburg National Battlefields.
They have partnered with Darke County Parks in July of 2012, April of
2015 and 2016, 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
Photo - Soldiers demonstrate firing by rank as a part of the daily
infantry presentations.
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