MANSFIELD — A cannon barrel manufactured 164 years ago again belched fire and smoke Sunday.
The historic cannon, manufactured in 1862, was part of the popular artillery display during the 48th annual Ohio Civil War Show at the Richland County Fairgrounds.
Fans packed in around the demonstration area as cannons (and a mortar) from the Civil and Revolutionary wars exploded with loud roars, setting off car alarms in the nearby parking lot.
The show included full-size cannons, limbers and caissons.
The display was part of one of the largest hands-on historical events in the country, just weeks before the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The two-day show, which began Saturday, also encompassed the Revolutionary War and World Wars I and II.
It featured living history encampments, artillery demonstrations, and more than 750 tables of authentic military memorabilia spanning 1775 to 1945.
Organizers called it the largest quality event of its kind in the United States.
More than 450 exhibitors from 38 states bought, sold, traded and displayed uniforms, weapons, books, photographs, prints, paper goods and period apparel.
Living history encampments gave visitors an up-close look at soldiers’ daily lives:
- A 1776 Revolutionary War camp with drills, musket firing and colonial cooking
- Civil War hospital scenario featuring a soldier amputation reenactment
- 41st and 48th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) encampments
- World War II camps with U.S. and German soldiers, vehicles and demonstrations
- 36th U.S. Infantry Division and 100th Jäger German Unit displays
- 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron presentation
- Archival Arms exhibit with full mannequins and gear from Vietnam through World War II
- Marlboro Volunteers Mobile Museum walk-through trailer
Daily educational were presented by portrayers of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Gen. George S. Patton.
Music performances include the Camp Chase Fife and Drum on Saturday and the 73rd OVI Regiment Band on Sunday.
The show Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Below are photos and videos Sunday from the 48th Annual Ohio Civil War Show at the the Richland County Fairgrounds.)
