Families came from near and far on Thursday to visit Fort McAllister for Independence Day activities.
For many, the trip could’ve been mistaken for time travel. Re-enactors were dressed in Civil War-period clothing, the smell of black powder hung in the air, and history was right at spectators’ fingertips. Activities included musket demonstrations, cannon firings and games.
The Boyce family — Kimberly, Brandon and 4-year-old Tyler — were among the visitors, with Tyler especially enjoying the cannon firings.
“We just moved here from Midway and have never been to this fort. It is an exciting time to teach our son about how things used to be, and the price people paid for your freedom. We thought it was a good opportunity,” Kimberly Boyce said.
Sisters Danielle and Eliene Robinson participated in activities such as the tug of war and sack, wheelbarrow and three-legged races. Another highlight for visitors was the cutting of ice-cold watermelons.
But the focus of the day’s events remained on America’s history.
Michael Wheless, re-enactor from Savannah, played the bugle during one re-enactment for visitors and in honor of Independence Day.
“It is very sentimental for me,” he said. “I did have two ancestors who fought here during the Civil War. I come here to honor their service.”
Mark Robinson made McAllister part of his family’s Independence Day tradition.
“We wanted to do something to remember Independence Day and the people that fought for our liberties that we enjoy today,” he said.