There are 4 reenactment areas in this historic site, along with an indoor museum. Everything is hands-on! We took a tram to the farthest area and entered the small southern Indiana town of Dupont after it had been part of Morgan's Raid in 1863.
The one room school house had been taken over by the militia in an attempt to sign soldiers up for the fight. Camden put her name down.
Then she sent a message using Morse code.
Just across the street were some ladies who were riding side saddle. Camden was able to pet one of the horses and later we went to a small side saddle riding demonstration.
Camden's favorite part of the day happened in between. There was a movie experience/re-telling of Morgan's raid. It was very fast paced and included multiple imagery throughout. At the very end, a cannon was "shot" with a loud bang and strobe light flash. Across the theater from it, a "hole" appeared in the side of the building. Camden loves to tell that part!
We headed over to the soldier encampment and took a look inside their tents. While there, Camden was recruited to join the militia.
The soldier in charge showed them how to hold the gun and how to follow orders. Then he marched them around the town square.
Then came word that Morgan's raiders were approaching. He took them to a field and showed them how to load (and reload) their guns.
He ordered them to "fire". He actually fired his gun several times.
Next he yelled that the gun fire was not having it's intended impact and they would have to "show some steel". He led them running across the field toward the enemy in the woods.
Once they got close, he yelled that they weren't backing down so they should "fall back" and they all turned around and ran back to safety back near camp.
Such a great introduction to Civil War history for Camden.
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