Iconic war reenactment attracts thousands

Thousands flocked to Kearney Park to relive history at The Civil War Revisited, Oct. 3 and 4.

The two-day event featured representations of battles, military camps, wartime hospitals, theatrical performances and many other attractions.

As the largest reenactment in the Western United States, this annual event draws more than 30,000 spectators from throughout California, according to The Fresno Bee.

The Fresno Historical Society and National Civil War Association have put on the event every fall since 1990.

The number of participants has grown since then, with many people now portraying historical figures such as President Abraham Lincoln and Union and Confederate generals.

For the past two years, teacher Bessalee Mendoza has encouraged her U.S. and AP U.S. History students to attend the reenactment in order to gain perspective on the material studied in school.

“It’s fun to see people that represent a period in history and give a fairly accurate picture of what life was like during the Civil War,” Mendoza said. “I think the students were able to experience it instead of reading it in a textbook or watching a documentary.”

“It’s a lot of fun to watch them out in the battlefield. My dad really likes the Civil War and so does my brother; we always used to go out to Kearney [Park] for it, and then we just got involved. It gives an understanding of what it was like back then, and what people did to help their country.” –-alumni Ryan Stuart

About 20 students from Mendoza’s classes attended the event and interacted with the various historical characters.

“I thought the reenactment was very interesting and informative,” Ricky Lopez, ’11, said. “A lot of the people there were really into their character, which brought a new perspective on the Civil War. They did a good job of acting appropriately for the time period.”

This year, junior Megan Stewart’s family participated in the reenactment. Her father and brother acted as “powder monkeys” for the cannons during the battles.

“It’s a lot of fun to watch them out in the battlefield,” Stewart said. “My dad really likes the Civil War and so does my brother; we always used to go out to Kearney [Park] for it, and then we just got involved. It gives an understanding of what it was like back then, and what people did to help their country.”

Steve Ganner, who acted as President Jefferson Davis of the Confederate States of America, said the reenactment allows those involved to shed their own light on history.

“We tell the truth; the truth is that, from our perspective, it was states’ rights [that caused the war],” Ganner, participating in his 9th year, said. “[Events like this] are important for education, so people don’t forget history.”

A 12-year participant, Russ Barrows said the event is “one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever done.” He views events like the reenactment as “essential” for education.

“They give people a rudimentary understanding of why the United States is the way it is today; there are many connections to the Civil War,” Barrows, who portrayed a soldier in the 69th New York infantry regiment, said. “There’s no better way to learn than to try to do things.”

For more information, visit the linked resources or e-mail Mendoza.

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