Every year the grounds of the Lew Wallace Study and Museum are invaded by Civil War re-enactors and the event continues to become more and more impressive each year.
"This is the first time we have ever been over here," Dan Shepherd, from Lebanon, said. "I am just blown away. I am in awe with the knowledge and the authenticity of this. I hope you do everything you can do to promote this because everyone should come out and see this. It is awesome."
That seemed to be the thoughts of most of the people on the grounds throughout the event.
The event has continued to grow each year and those encamped on the grounds Saturday and Sunday take it serious and many have dedicated quite a bit of time and energy into their craft.
Jason Hawley, from Columbus, was one of those re-enactors and it has been a lifelong path.
"When I was young my family always took vacations based on historical sites," he said. "That kind of planted the seed and helped to spur my love for history. Of course, if you love history you have to love the Civil War."
Hawley has done research and has found out that he had ancestors fight on both sides in the Civil War. In fact in one battle according to his research one regiment of his great-grandfather fired upon the regiment of his other great-grandfather.
"I feel it is important to help educate our youth, and even adults, about the Civil War," he said. "I mean, do you know that there were more U.S. causalities in the Civil War than all the other wars and conflicts combined?"
Hawley, who was representing the 66th Illinois Sharpshooter this weekend, said his group probably participates in 12 to 15 weekend re-enactments each year.
"I don't know who said it but someone very smart said that if we don't learn from history then we are deemed to repeat it," he said. "I think we have a lot to learn from the Civil War and that is what we hope we are doing."
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