More than 4 dozen people from all over the Midlands were treated to a tour of the Civil war battle site at Congaree Creek in Cayce on Saturday.

In addition to the usual tour, there were reenactors in 1860s attire, a display of weapons like the ones used in the battle and exhibits of tents Sherman’s troops used at the encampment.

There were also demonstrations of loading and firing the rifles and a how bayonets were used.

The biggest hit of the day was firing a cannon. Some of the visitors got to pull the lanyard to fire the cannon. Every shot was followed by a big round of applause. There was a regular tour at 1 pm and a lantern tour at 6 pm.

Two of the reenactors had over 20 years of experience. They said they want to preserve history and to accurately depict how things really were. This is a very important part of South Carolina history.

A couple from Chapin knew the tour guides and had heard enough about the tours that they just had to see it firsthand.

One family said their daughter was studying history at Spring Hill High School and wanted to see what they could learn.

After the reenactment, the tour guides said the visitors were very involved and eager to know about what happened there February 15, 1865. Everyone asked very good questions.

The guides also praised the actors. One woman portrayed a slave whose family was building the earthworks. Another portrayed the wife of a Confederate soldier who talked about having to leave Charleston and how afraid they were.

Two men portraying Federal soldiers told about how cold and wet they were during the battle. They said that their clothes would freeze.

Tours are every Saturday through December 1. For dates and times tours, check the Go! page in the Chronicle or find 12,000 Year History Park on Facebook.