By Megan Miller, Editor
ARGO – A period of history will come to life Saturday at Old South Firearms in Argo.
The Alabama 31st Infantry and Iowa 17th Infantry will team up to bring the Civil War to present day, with traditional music, a glimpse of home life, crafts, a cannon fire and other activities.
According to event organizer Eddie Bratton, this will be a chance for history buffs of all ages to come together to learn about the day-to-day life of those during the Civil War Era, including firearm and artillery demonstrations, possibly a small skirmish and a showcase of uniforms, rifles, pistols and other assorted gear.
Captain Pete Smith of the Alabama Division of Reenacctor and Co. F, 31st Alabama said the day is sure to be full of fun and learning about how life was more than 150 years ago.
Smith has been reenacting for more than a decade, as it gives him a chance to show his love for the Civil War.
“I saw a reenactment years ago and always wanted to do this,” Smith said. “I went to an event one weekend and talked with a group about joining, and I’ve been reenacting ever since.”
“My favorite part is the smiles of the kids,” Bratton said. “When you get to take pictures with them, and tell them about their ancestors and what they went through.”
Bratton said coming to a reenactment event like this is a good way for people interested in history to get involved in keeping it alive. According to Bratton, people from all over Central Alabama participate in reenactments with the Alabama 31st.
“A lot of people might be interested but they don’t know how to get into it, so they can come try it out,” Bratton said. “You feel the weight of what these guys had to carry.”
Smith will be on site talking to visitors about how they can become involved in reenacting.
“A lot of people have the wrong idea of why the war was fought and how,” Smith said. “We have a love of history, camping and fellowship.”
Live historical music and dance instruction will be provided by Emmy-winning band Un-Reconstructed. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #1435 out of Trussville will have a tent with books, historical and reproduction documents, historical rifles and more. Southland Barbecue will be on site providing food.
The event will take place at Old South Firearms, 425 Argo-Margaret Road from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 30.
15 Comments
Justin McGlaughn
Emily McGlaughn
Loryn McDaniel
Kaylyn McDaniel Show mom
Tim Locklear
Larry Locklear
Kimberly Minton Freeman
Billy Freeman
Stacey Jacobson Crawford
Richard Crawford
Gena Ray Cranford
Bob Haynes Josh Haynes
Molly Lindsey
Vance Tipton
Angel Gilham
BigJo Gilham
Drake Riley
Mike Lunceford
Lindsey Howell
Gil Howell jackson would love this
Sherri Wise
Lynn Maddox Davis
Lynn Maddox Davis
I know one of the men in this unit. Had no clue they were doing a living history
Sherri Wise
Thought you’d want to see it
Gil Howell
Sounds good what time?
Terra Milhorn
Jodie Real Steve Real