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Codorus park to host Battle of Hanover re-enactment


"If you've never seen a cannon fire at night, it's something to see," said James Zartman, the captain of the Civil War Reenactors of Hanover.

The re-enactor group will host an event commemorating the 153rd anniversary of the Battle of Hanover Sept. 16 through 18 at Codorus State Park.

Though the group took a two-year break because of lack of participation, it is back this year and plans to continue each year as long as it has the numbers to do so.

Battle re-enactments' a candlelight walking tour; medical, arms and cooking demonstrations and a nighttime cannon fire will all take place during the weekend's festivities.

The cannon fire is a sight to see, Zartman said.

"It will throw a flame about 75 feet."

Forty to 60 re-enactors will be in attendance at this year's anniversary, Zartman said.

There will be a kid's enlistment and a mock battle for young attendees and a Civil War church service on Sunday morning for the whole family.

Abraham Lincoln will be stopping by Sunday as well, Zartman said.

Lincoln re-enactor James Hayney will give a lecture to the crowd dressed as the famous president at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Battle of Hanover

When was it: June 30, 1863

Significance: The battle deflected Jeb Stuart and his three brigades of Confederate cavalry from making contact with Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia until late on July 2, too late to be of much use to his commander at the battle of Gettysburg, according to ExplorePaHistory.com.

Fun fact: Hanoverians lined the streets and passed out food and drink to Union soldiers.

Casualties: The battle cost the Union 213 men and the Confederacy 117 men.

Information from ExplorePAHistory.com.

If you go

Where: Codorus State Park

When: Sept. 16 through 18

Cost: The event is free to the public. The re-enactors fee is $10.

Camp set-up starts Friday. Camps open to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday