Union forces defending breastworks on May 3, 2009 at the Civil War Encampment held at Shiner Community Park.

The weather forecast for the Civil War Encampment was for a rainy weekend reduced the number of re-enactors to attend. However, those in attendance did an exceptional job of interacting for visitors providing lots of information on life during the Civil War.

On Friday to kick the event off a handful of soldiers participated in school day where several classes from the Elementary Middle School came to visit. The classes mingled around the tents to learn various topics about the Civil War and camplife. Robert E. Lee presented two programs at the school.

Abraham Lincoln greeting Robert E. Lee on May 3, 2009 at the Civil War Encampment held at Shiner Community Park.

The program tent hosted several programs including Abraham Lincoln portrayed by Danny Russel and Robert E. Lee portrayed by Don Locke, other programs gave insight into the role of women during the war and how the war affected civilians.

Jeff Stein talks with David Brown’s fourth grade class. They were one of several classes to visit the Civil War Encampment on May 1.

Shiner Community Park is an excellent setting for the Civil War Encampment and offers many beautiful opportunities for pictures as if it was the 1860s again. The battle scenarios had as a backdrop the farmland, hills, and woods.

This free event was sponsored by the city of Rising Sun, Ohio County/Rising Sun Parks Department, Rising Sun/Ohio County Tourism Bureau, and the Rising Sun Regional Foundation. Following the roar of the cannon to Shiner Park located behind the Ohio County Elementary/Middle School for a lesson in history.

The Ohio County Historical Museum (212 S. Walnut Street, Rising Sun, Indiana, 47040) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located along the Ohio River Scenic By-way. Museum hours are 11-4 Monday-Saturday, 1:30-4:30 Sunday, and closed Wednesdays. Admission to the museum only is $2.50 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, $1.00 for high school students, and free for members and children 12 and under. For more information about the event or museum please call Bill Dichtl at (812) 438-4915.