Historical Society hosts 42nd Old Clinton War Days

COMMUNITY EVENT

  • Union soldier re-enactors fire at Confederate soldier re-enactors at Old Clinton War Days in Jones County. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
    Union soldier re-enactors fire at Confederate soldier re-enactors at Old Clinton War Days in Jones County. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
  • The Confederate soldier re-enactors firing back at the Union soldier reenactors during the reenactment battle. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
    The Confederate soldier re-enactors firing back at the Union soldier reenactors during the reenactment battle. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
  • Union soldiers advancing on Confederate soldiers during the reenactment at Old Clinton War Days. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed
    Union soldiers advancing on Confederate soldiers during the reenactment at Old Clinton War Days. NATHAN CLARKE/Contributed

    The 42nd Old Clinton War Days took place May 6 and 7, where re-enactors engaged in battle and cannons could be heard for miles of the re-enactment of the Battle of Sunshine Church and the Battle of Griswoldville.

    Johnny Mack Nickles, a board member of the Old Clinton Historical Society, said he was excited to see people at Old Clinton War Days and engage with them about the history of Clinton.

    “We try to recreate the history of the war between the states, especially the war between the states that affected Jones County,” he said. “People learn about the history that happened right here where they grew up when they come out to this event.”

    He said he wants more children to attend Old Clinton War Days, because they will learn about things they won’t learn in school about history and Jones County.

    He said schools only teach a few chapters about the Civil War.

    “When kids come here and ask questions, they’re able to learn more. That’s what we want. These re-enactors work hard to portray their characters as best they can. History is important for everyone to learn, and we should know about the history of where we live,” Nickles said.

    He said people were able to watch the battles take place May 6 and 7, visit the camps, buy items from vendors who were selling things like carvings, wind chimes, bird houses, wooden signs, mugs, hats, flags, jewelry, honey, and more. He said they had vendors selling boiled peanuts, hotdogs, sausage dogs and barbeque, and another vendor selling fried chicken, collard greens, black eyed peas, and more.

    “This event is a lot of fun. You learn a lot, you can get great food and there’s neat things to buy,” Nickles said. “People should check it out, because it’s for everyone.

    My favorite thing is seeing people who are interested in the history of Jones County.”

    The board member said he enjoys telling the history of the swords and guns used during that era of time. He said Old Clinton War Days is as accurate of a re-enactment as they can make it.

    He said a lot went on in Clinton during the Civil War and he feels people should know about it.

    “They can learn a lot from being at Old Clinton War Days. They learn about what happened right here, and can gain a new appreciation for what’s here,” he said. “They can have fun while they learn, and we hope they come back next year.”