Reenactor Chuck Keller leads some youngsters in a marching demonstration and walkthrough on Saturday, July 16th. Photo: Warren Abrahamson
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Spectators were treated to authentic reenactments, fire-baked pie demonstrations, and explosive presentations as Fort Seward celebrated 150 years in Jamestown July 16 & 17.
Fort Seward was in operations from 1872 to 1877, where men who served oversaw the building of the railroad through Jamestown. Today, it’s the starting point of the Fort Seward Wagon Train and home to the exciting Big Guns of the Old West demonstration.
Scott Allen is a reenactor from Mandan. He and his family manned a tent and array of doctor supplies, tools, and elixirs one might see during that time.
Allen says his biggest opponent is “television” when it comes to providing accurate information of medicine from the 1800’s.
Visitors were treated to a walkthrough of the many medicines and eye-catching bone saw that a doctor would use to perform amputations.
Allen says he just recently started exploring medical reenactments.
Another big highlight of the weekend was the Big Guns of the Old West. Reenactor Dale Marks performed several cannon shots and gave a presentation on the famous Howitzer cannon.
That was followed by Chuck Keller and his 1874 model Gatling gun.
Keller explained that his presentation usually leaves spectators mesmerized and gives an exciting look at one of history’s most deadly weapons.
Below are some photos and video compilation features sights and sounds of the 150th Celebration. The video includes a full presentation by Chuck Keller and his Gatling gun.
