Valley residents got to experience the War Between the States on Saturday as re-enactors from the 11th P.V.I. Company K Inc. and the 11th Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry Co. F appeared at Monessen Founders Day.
The event, sponsored by the Greater Monessen Historical Society, paid tribute to Col. James M. Schoonmaker, the founder of Monessen.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the colonel's cavalry charge on Fort Star during the Third Battle of Winchester, for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Saturday's event featured authentic Civil War camps, soldier drills, inspection of arms, loading and firing.
There were also old-time children's toys and games, period-style clothing to model and drilling with the soldiers.
The festival also included food vendors, local authors, displays of Civil War relics, cooking over an open fire, fife music and demonstrations of encampment, soldier life, equipment, tents and uniforms.
The Civil War ladies of the Pittsburgh Sanitary Commission were on hand as well as a jazz concert at the Monessen City Park Amphitheater featuring Hot Headed Mike and the Half Baked Jazz Band.
