Retired Logan County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Ray Quay demonstrates his Gatling gun at the 2022 event. Outfitted in a green uniform as a member of Berdan’s Sharpshooters, Quay sold the gun shortly after the 2022 event. The Gatling gun did not see widespread use during the Civil War as the War Department was concerned about the amount of ammunition each gun consumed (200 rounds per minute). Even so, some commanders privately purchased guns for their units and utilized them in battle.
Courtesy photo
Submitted story
SIDNEY — Planning is under way for Sidney, Ohio’s Civil War Living History Weekend. The event is scheduled to be held Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Sidney’s Tawawa Park.
The dates of the biennial event coincide with a similar biennial reenactment event held in Zoar Village.
Zoar Village is located in Tuscarawas County.
Sidney’s event was first held in 2016. This year’s event will again include skirmishing, pitched battles and dueling cannons.
A number of speakers, including published authors, have been invited to participate. Past topics have ranged from the role Ohio played in arming the Union Army, characters from Ohio who played significant roles in the war including Congressman Clement Vallandigham and specific battles in the war.
There will also be a number of sutlers who will have merchandise available for sale not only to the reenactors, but the general public. There will also be food vendors, who will have a variety of food and beverages available.
Visitors are invited to stop by both the Union and Confederate encampments and talk with participants about the life of the common soldier during the Civil War. Questions about the food (or lack thereof), weapons being used, camp life and even fighting are welcomed.
The free event is open to the public, and is funded in part through a grant from the City of Sidney (using proceeds from the Hotel Lodging Tax) and through private contributions. It is sponsored by the Shelby County Historical Society.
Additional information is available online (www.sidneycivilwar.org).
Infor from event organizers
