The Civil War

The reinacting confederate troops march into battle with their genuine antique 1840s Springfield rifles in hand.

Left: The cannon crew of the 193rd Confederacy Infantry prepare to fire onto the Union; Below Top: Anne Waterbottoms bathes her child Charlie in a Civil War era tub; Below: Smitty McCutchens stares at soldies of the Union in awe.

habir Shareef believes that, although the Civil War divided the U.S. in the 1860s, it is the reason why this country is strong and unified today. Shareef is one of many people proud to teach todays generations about the war by reenacting characters, lifestyles and battles at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers. The parks annual Civil War Days on Saturday and Sunday will include Confederate and Union camps and re-enactments of a battle between the two sides. This is a very significant time in our history, said Shareef, who will play the roles of two soldiers. Americans were fighting Americans, so families were divided -- father against son, brother against brother. Families have fights, but when they get through that, the bond is tighter. Same with America. That is one of the things that contributes to the strength of the United States. We fought amongst ourselves to have individual freedoms, and we are going to protect that. Conner Prairie has had Civil War Days for more than a decade, and this year will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the war, said Alpha Garrett, spokeswoman for Conner Prairie. More than 600 U.S. re-enactors come to participate in the states largest re-enactment. Activities and exhibits will complement the battle re-enactment scheduled for 2 p.m. each day.

Last year we had upward of 10,000 people over the two days who talked to re-enactors, watched the battle, explored the camps, Garrett said. Cavalry shows, musket shootings, and demonstrations of surgery and embalming methods used in field hospitals will be offered. Women and children dressed in period clothing will show what life was like at home while the men in the family went off to war. Re-enactors will talk about their lifestyles and experiences at war and at home. People may see a familiar face in the crowd -- an actor portraying President Abraham Lincoln will talk with families. Shareef, 63, Westfield, will play two black men who were members of the U.S. Colored Troops. One character is Pvt. George Washington, who is a composite character from Indianas black regiment, which had eight men by that name. The other character is Maj. Martin Delaney, a commander during the war. Shareef enjoys playing these roles and educating people about the war. At age 40 he first learned about black Civil War soldiers, and he wants others to learn about that history as well. Initially, blacks were permitted to fight, but after the Emancipation Proclamation, black men were able to participate as soldiers, he said. Their participation was not merely to preserve the union but to gain dignity. If the North won, they would be