Civil War event brings history alive at the Batavia Riverwalk
Two Civil War doctors and a nurse gathered to inspect the army's new "recruits," who were actually suburban children visiting the Civil War Encampment at the Batavia Riverwalk.
"Line up! We want to make sure you're fit to serve," one of the doctors said.
After the recruits received clean bills of health, they were shown how to march with their fellow Union soldiers. It was one of many demonstrations that took place during the weekend encampment, which illustrated what life was like for military and medical personnel during the Civil War.
"Reading about history in a textbook is one thing. When you can see it, when you can talk to someone about it, that's a whole different experience," said Trevor Steinbach, a Batavia resident and president of the 17th Corps Field Hospital, a nonprofit group that re-creates Civil War medical practices. "I think what we do here really helps bring history alive."
The re-enactors who helped bring the Civil War alive in Batavia over the weekend portrayed surgeons, nurses, cannon operators and more. President Abraham Lincoln made an appearance, too.
Visitors to the encampment learned how a Civil War doctor removed a bullet from a soldier's leg. They learned how soldiers used a wood "limber" to tow a heavy cannon into battle. (The cannon demonstrations were done by members of Battery G, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery, a re-enactment group that specializes in Civil War artillery,)
Visitors also got a chance to see how soldiers, doctors and nurses lived, as the re-enactors all camped out in tents along Houston Street throughout the weekend.
"Friday night was pretty cold, but last night wasn't bad at all," said St. Charles resident Jon Cooper, whose son brought him into the world of Civil War re-enacting. "You just have to pile on the blankets."
There also were demonstrations on Civil War clothes, music and more.
Batavia resident Ken Schuler brought his two young boys to the encampment Sunday morning.
"I know they've learned about the Civil War a bit in school, but I figured this would give them a whole different kind of appreciation for it," he said. "So far they seem to be liking it a lot."