ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Lorena Sternwheeler Civil War Reenactment and Encampment on the majestic Muskingum River offered a unique blend of history and adventure that thrilled attendees all day long.
This annual event allowed participants to witness dramatic Civil War battles as they cruised down the Muskingum River. Registration was required to take part in this popular voyage.
“Myself and my son started it, but the whole family got involved. It’s addictive and has become a big family event. All the re-enactors here are more than friends, we’re all family. And that goes for both the Blue and Grey sides. We go to different events together, we eat together, we fight and we battle together. It’s just a really good time,” said Capt. Mager Erlenwein.
Participants expanded their experience beyond just the boat ride by visiting a Civil War encampment.
“We sleep in tents. No one believes us, but they ask us what we do in a thunderstorm. We go to bed, and once we’re in bed we get up early in the morning and do chores, just like on any other camping trip or military exercise. We have to have breakfast because everybody has to be fed. After breakfast we have to clean up. We have to get our uniforms ready. We have to get our bullets ready. We have to get our cannons ready. We have to get our guns ready. So there’s a lot of work to do beforehand. And then we stand around and wait, just like in the military. Then when the show starts we forget everything and are transported back to 1863,” said Erlenwein.
For those who missed this year’s event, organizers encourage people to check the Visit Zanesville website for next year’s re-enactment event.
