For the students in Mr. Marshall’s “Civil War Marching” elective class, history came alive on Saturday, April 27th. The students were invited to participate in the Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company F’s, spring muster.A “Civil War Muster” is like a practice for the groups’ reenactments, which they hold throughout the year at different locations. This muster was special to us because we not only got to watch history come alive, but we also got to participate.
The day started bright and early at Hilt’s Landing in Montague. Students were instructed to wear long sleeve shirts and shorts because part of the muster included dressing in the authentic Civil War uniforms. The uniforms were made of wool and were hot and itchy. Let me emphasize the “Hot and itchy.” After several hours in the hot sun, we could relate to the soldiers.
After a morning filled with marching drills, there was lunch for the entire group. Then more drills. It was then time for a nice afternoon “hike.” We marched for about two miles while wearing our hot uniforms and carrying an 1861 Springfield Musket which is what most troops back then were out-fitted with. Did I say the uniforms were hot and itchy?
After our hike, we then came to my favorite part. We got to actually shoot the muskets! After instructions on safe usage we started by biting the top off the gun powder cartridge. We then dumped the powder into the barrel of the musket and used a ramrod to pack it down. We replaced the ramrod and then lifted the gun, cocked it partially and put a primer cap on and then pulled the hammer back all the way, aimed and fired! We used real gunpowder, but no bullets. We got to do this several different times.
The rest of the day included meeting some of the other reenactors and dinner. It was great fun and let us put what we learn in our elective to work. It also gave us a chance to see what our forefathers went through. Thanks Mr. Marshall!!!
- Cory Greeno, Sophomore
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