Civil War Returns to Delhi

Despite drizzle, steady rain, a few downpours and high humidity the Civil War weekend returned to Delhi for the 5th year in a row. This year the weekend brought reenactors from near and far to bring living history to the Delaware County Historical Society Grounds.

This year the battles of Honey Hill, which included Delaware County's own 144th Regiment, First Manannas and Culp's Hill were staged and narrated for the attendees.

There were also demonstrations, marching drills, as well as an opportunity for visitors to tour camp sites , and take in the smell of wood smoke.

A highlight this year, a replica of the Confederate 40 foot Submarine, the H L Hunley made the trip form Charleston, South Carolina to DCHA  for the weekend. According to Al Couch, who accompanied the Hunley, the craft was the first Sub to sink a ship, the US Housatonic, off Charleston Harbor in 1864. Unfortunately for the Hunley there was a flaw in the design, so when the spar torpedo, who when it struck the ship.instead of a delay to allow the sub to back away, the charge went off on impact which sunk the Hunley with all 8 men  on board losing their lives. 5 members of the Housatonic also died in the sinking.

Another weekend highlight, Dee Rung portrayed a woman who fought in the war as a Southern Cavalry soldier, Jenkins Cavalry, Company D.

Weekend organizer LouAnn Smith said the Civil War Weekend will return to Delhi again next year.