The Yankees And The Rebels - The War Is On During The Annual Fall Muster - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

The Yankees And The Rebels - The War Is On During The Annual Fall Muster

Canons and gunfire, it's the sound of war. But, unlike most wars, spectators sat on the sidelines watching the action on the battlefield.

t's five-year-old Gage Rowell's first time seeing the civil war re-enactment at the annual Fall Muster. Gage's grandmother, Sheryl Kordek, says she wants him to walk away with a better understanding of his past.

"He needs to know what history's about.  He needs to know what Mississippi is all about," says Kordek.

Twenty-first century met nineteenth century as people dressed in period clothing stood right beside those who came out to watch. Some who came dressed in character say if they had lived in the 19th century, they would have done a few things considered out of character for that time.

"If I was living back then, I would be on the battlefield.  I would be dressing up like a guy and going and fighting on the battlefield," says Ashley Thompson, Gautier.

While most acknowledge Fall Muster as a time to have fun while looking back on history, some say it's also a time to remember and pay respect.

"I really respect all the individuals who take all their time to really re-enact south Mississippi. It's really very interesting," says Kordek.

It's a piece of history Gage Rowell's grandmother hopes he will remember and understand how it ultimately shaped our nation.

All the money raised from the Fall Muster will go toward the restoration of the Beauvoir Home in Biloxi which was badly damaged during Katrina.

The home is undergoing a five million dollar restoration to help rebuild it to its historic 1850's architectural design. It was the last home of confederate president Jefferson Davis.

The home's curators say they hope to have it re-opened by June of next year.

By: Krystal Allan