Old Clinton War Days visits the past

  • Soldiers from both sides fire their weapons at each other at the re-enactment at Old Clinton War Days. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
    Soldiers from both sides fire their weapons at each other at the re-enactment at Old Clinton War Days. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
  • Re-enactors dressed as Confederate soldiers engage in battle at Old Clinton War Days. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
    Re-enactors dressed as Confederate soldiers engage in battle at Old Clinton War Days. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
  • Vendors selling items from the Civil War time period set up around the area at the event. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
    Vendors selling items from the Civil War time period set up around the area at the event. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
  • Ladies at Old Clinton War Days prepare for the event with different activities throughout the day. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
    Ladies at Old Clinton War Days prepare for the event with different activities throughout the day. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed

    Cannons blasted and guns fired in Clinton April 30 and May 1, signaling the re-enactment of the Battle of Sunshine Church and the Battle of Griswoldville, as Old Clinton War Days took place once again.

    J.C. Nobles, commander of the re-enactment group, said he was excited to be back at Old Clinton War Days and see everyone having a great time.

    “We did the 41st annual Old Clinton War Days in Clinton,” he said. “We are not trying to say what’s right or wrong, we are just trying to show what happened here in Jones County during the 1860s period. We had all types of activities for everyone to engage in, and for people to learn from.”

    Nobles said they had lots of vendors selling crafts such as woodwork, jewelry, signs and more. He said vendors were also selling period pieces. He said people could grab different things to eat such as hot dogs, fries, sausage dogs and more.

    “Old Clinton War Days brings attention to Jones County. The best thing is it makes a tremendous economic impact. We had more than 300 participants, and each one of them traveled hundreds of miles at great expense. They spent an average of $100 to $200 here in Jones County,” Nobles said.

    The commander said by conducting Old Clinton War Days, they raise funds for the Old Clinton Historical Society to maintain the historic buildings that Sherman did not burn down.

    Nobles said they participated in the annual memorial service at the Clinton Methodist Church to pay honor to the soldiers buried at the cemetery. He said they have many modern veterans who support Old Clinton War Days and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives during that time period.

    “We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to honor our history,” the commander said. “People seem to enjoy themselves a lot here. It’s something different to see. People got to learn what life was like in the 1860s. It’s great for people who have a love for history.”

    Nobles said he’s glad they are able to have the event this year since they have been unable to have residents out for Old Clinton War Days the past two years due to COVID-19. He said his favorite thing about Old Clinton War Days is being able to honor so many veterans.

    “I also enjoy being able to educate people about what happened here in Jones County. This war affected everyone,” he said. “We had 20,000 soldiers march through Clinton, and everyone suffered. I’m glad people came out and learned about everything. They seemed to have an enjoyable time.”