Civil War Weekend held in Union County

The history of the Civil War came to life last weekend in Union County. 

The 2014 Civil War Weekend was hosted by the Shawnee Hills Art Council at the Anna Arts Center and the PAST organization of Union County.

Civil War Weekends have been held for the past several years in Union County. The events are being held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, which was fought from 1861 to 1865.

Last weekend featured a wide range of events, activities, programs and exhibits.

Exhibits featured Civil War era firearms, quilts and medical care during the conflict.

Guest speakers presented talks about topics which included Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, the political climate of Southern Illinois in 1864 and photography during the Civil War.

Mike Isom displayed pieces of his personal collection of Anna's Kirkpatrick Pottery.

<p><strong>A 10-pound Parrot rifle replica owned by Allen Winthrop of Elkville was on display in front of the Anna Arts Center on Saturday. </strong></p>