Somber Look for a Union Soldier After Battle

A Union soldier actor after a battle reenactment said he enjoys participating in these mock battles on weekends. The actors pay their own way, buy their own uniform and accessories and commit much time in the summer to traveling to reenactment battles. His next one is in the middle of July in northeast Iowa. On this day he was in Nashua, Iowa adjacent to the famous Little Brown Church in the Vale.

Old Bradford Pioneer Village Charmer

 

At the Old Bradford Pioneer Village near Nashua, Iowa surprises are abundant. Near the relocated train depot, an Illinois Central caboose is on display for anyone to visit. On this occasion a young Illinois resident climbed aboard the caboose to be a model for her mother's photography.

 

 

Illinois Central 9967 was donated to the Pioneer Village a number of years ago and is in general good condition despite needing a good exterior cleaning.

 

 

Dressed in Civil War era style clothing the girl played near the caboose while her father changed from his reenactment gear.

 

 

Before her three hour car ride back to the Quad Cities on Sunday afternoon, the caboose charmer showed off her endless somersault skills. Her display of tumble after tumble would most likely cause adults some discomfort.

A Light Moment Before Battle

 

"Confederate" soldiers amass at Rand Park before the Battle of Appomattox in Keokuk, Iowa. These troops represented infantry elements from Kentucky and Tennessee for this reenactment battle - the 28th annual and final reenactment staged in Keokuk. Most of the players hailed from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Keokuk's Battle of Appomattox Ends Reenactment Series after 28 Years

A deeply sorrowed 'President Lincoln' watches the final surrender ceremonies at Keokuk, Iowa's Rand Park this past Sunday. The reenactment featured the replay of the Battle of Appomattox and the surrender of General Lee. Following the ceremony, actors from both sides resumed their normal personalities. Mr. Lincoln (who is played by Max Daniels of Wheaton, IL) posed with many audience members for selfies and group photos.

Keokuk's tourism board decided to not go forward with the Civil War series due to dwindling audience attendance, aging reenactment member population and the lack of younger members joining the players community. At Sunday's reconstructed battle a crowd of 300 or so people looked on to experience the sights and sounds of soldiers, horses, canons, guns, tents, bands and of course the Lincolns.