KANOPOLIS – During a historical re-enactment on May 2 and 3 called Revisiting 1876, students and members of the public were able to visit with 19 re-enactors who represented military officers, huntsmen, officers’ wives and a Native American scout.

At the Ellsworth Historical Society event, various aspects of the lives of soldiers at Fort Harker were described, including the food they ate, their health concerns, the parade grounds and military traditions, and the variety of jobs at the fort.

Everyone learned of life without running water, electricity, sturdy shelter, and plentiful food.  Tales of travel across the prairie with no roads, bad weather, buffalo stampedes, Indian raids and no solid shelter were told and re-enacted.

Several lean-to’s, eight tents, one sulter’s (a fort general store) tent, and three Native American lodges were erected.  Each re-enactor had a story to tell. One officer had children marching and doing maneuvers with dowel rods for swords. Visitors learned that Fort Harker’s purpose was to protect people who were traveling West as well as those who had chosen to settle in the area.

About 80 students and 130 adults came through the encampment, with close to 100 people touring the Guardhouse, Commanding Officers’ Quarters and Junior Officers’ Quarters at the fort.

The final evening, a Military Ball featured period dances such as a promenade and the Virginia Reel.