7th Indiana Light Artillery Reenacts Civil War Battles
Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger
Photography Provided
A brief glance through the pages of any reputable chronicle of our nation’s evolution will reveal one integral chapter.
The tales are there to be told and remembered about a time when America was battling a war within its own borders. It was truly a country divided, when folks were deeply polarized and divergent in their beliefs. Young men, some barely grown beyond their teenage years, were sent to battles, and came home scarred and profoundly changed. That is, if they ever came home at all.
And while we cannot go back in time and witness those integral events firsthand, there is a local organization that strives to educate and enlighten on this era of our country, one that remains compelling more than 150 years after its conclusion. This gathering of comrades is known as the 7th Indiana Light Artillery, a group of local historians committed to the portrayal and retelling of the Civil War. These individuals willingly volunteer their time in assuming the roles of soldiers, wearing authentic uniforms and fully embracing the lifestyles of the time period.
Several times per year, the 7th Indiana Light Artillery travels to various reenactment assemblies throughout the Midwest, demonstrating pivotal Civil War battles, including accurate depictions of attire, weaponry, strategies and settlements. The group was first formed back in 1998, with this year marking their 25th anniversary.
The 7th Indiana Light Artillery has been exceptionally busy as of late, joining forces with the soldiers from the 21st Indiana Light Artillery to present the third annual Civil War reenactment event in Nappanee. This gathering has grown substantially from its inception in 2021, and expectations are high for this year’s spectacle, which is taking place over the weekend of June 10 and 11 on the show grounds of Nappanee Power from the Past. It is situated just north of The Barns at Nappanee.
In the tradition of past events, the reenactment will be a representation of a particular battle. For the 2023 Nappanee Civil War Days, the emphasis will be on the Battle of Shiloh. Over the past several months, several nationally renowned reenactors have answered the recruitment call for this prestigious showcase. Representatives from both Confederate and Union divisions will be on hand, some opting to take part in the primitive campsites and bunking for the entire weekend. There will be an anticipated 200 soldiers from infantry and artillery units, as well as political speeches from notable leaders, craft vendors, sutlers and battles.
Activities will be plentiful and apropos to the time period. There will be a saloon replica with sodas and snacks, cannonball and frying pan tossing contests, blacksmithing, tintyping, candle making, children’s games, pewtersmiths, hayrides and fireworks. Skirmishes are currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and again on Sunday, June 11 at 1 p.m. There will also be food vendors in abundance, offering tastes of treats to entice virtually every palate. Guests can look for funnel cakes, lemon shake-ups, ice cream, corn dogs, deep-fried baked goods, ribbon chips, and of course, a quintessential Midwestern treat, pork tenderloins.
Nappanee Civil War Days is an opportunity to illustrate living history to visitors of all ages. The 7th Indiana Light Artillery is still accepting sponsorships to help assist with production costs for this event. The group also maintains an active Facebook presence, in which details about scheduling, events, and other additions to the weekend can be found. To stay fully updated, join or visit Nappanee Civil War Days on Facebook.
To inquire further, or to volunteer financially or otherwise, contact any one of the following officers: Major Dennis Mishler (574-
221-9163), Lieutenant Vern Zentz (574-354-3060), Sergeant David Kollar (574-993-2421) or Captain Ziggy Pairitz (574-339-3438).
