SPRINGFIELD — Springfield’s historic Cannon Ball House, located at 126 Morris Ave., will again be part of Union County’s Four Centuries in a Weekend on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. This Springfield landmark dates from the 18th century and its name derives from a cannon ball that lodged in the structure during the Revolutionary War. Visitors to the house can view this missive and other artifacts from the battle of Springfield.
This year is the sesquicentennial of the Civil War battle of Gettysburg, the “high water mark” of the Confederacy. Over the weekend, a powerpoint presentation will be shown examining how this battle came about and was fought. An interesting aspect of the presentation will be the inclusion of the experiences of William and Wesley Culp, ancestors of the docent who has created this power point. Both Culps fought at the battle of Gettysburg, but for different sides.
If that is not enough about the Civil War, there are the continuing adventures of Wellington Briant on exhibit. This year’s letters, chronicling 1863, describe Wellington’s promotion to clerk and involvement in attempts to capture Charleston, South Carolina. His letters also feature references to the 54th Massachusetts, the African-American regiment depicted in the film Glory.
Meanwhile, outside there will be re-enactors for the entire weekend, but the war they will be representing will be different each day. On Saturday they will be depicting the Civil War and then the Revolutionary War on Sunday. So choose whether to experience the War for Independence, the War Between the States, or both when you visit the historic Cannon Ball House this weekend.
For more information call 973-376-4784.