The roar of cannons will rebound across Lake Fanny Hooe when Civil War-era living-history group Battery D, 1st Michigan Light Artillery, pitches camp July 25-27 at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor in Michigan’s beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula.
The state park is home to a restored 19th-century army post that features daily costumed portrayals of soldiers and their families, a living-history encampment and museum exhibits enlivened by the sights and sounds of army life nearly 150 years ago. The encampment is one of the more popular summer events at the park, according to park historian Barry James.
“This colorful event, filled with family-oriented demonstrations that are both poignant and sometimes lighthearted, will capture the imagination of visitors of all ages,” said James. “The echo of cannon fire rolling down the length of Lake Fanny Hooe is identical to what soldiers at Fort Wilkins once heard more than 140 years ago.”
Re-creating the volunteer artillery unit organized at White Pigeon in 1861, the group will interpret army life of the period, demonstrating artillery drills, period cooking and soldiers’ pastimes. Celebrating its 30th anniversary at Fort Wilkins, the encampment will feature more than 25 costumed interpreters, tents, a depiction of army barracks life, and full-scale artillery pieces as well as authentically reproduced mess gear, small arms and other period artifacts.
Demonstrations, including Civil War live cannon firings, drills and skits, will be featured throughout the weekend.
The event will be open to park visitors from 8 a.m. to dusk Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 27. For the daily schedule of activities, call the park at
906-289-4215.
Click To Submit Press Releases, News, Calendar Items, and Community Events to mediaBrew radio stations WFXD, WKQS, WRUP, GTO, Fox Sport Marquette, and 106.1 The Sound
Marquette, Michigan Calendar; Ishpeming Calendar; Negaunee Calendar; Gwinn Calendar; Negaunee Calendar and Events; Upper Peninsula Calendar of Events; Escanaba Events and Calendar