On July 25, 2014; the South invaded the Frontier Museum via Civil War Re-enactor Garry Mooneyhan Jr. Along with his father, Garry Sr. and friend, Mike Moss, Garry has participated in many re-enactments across the Southeastern section of the United States. Some sites include: Shiloh, TN; Chancellorsville, VA and Benttonville, NC; while his focus was infantry, Garry has recently begun learning about the artillery. Re-enacting includes learning period dancing, songs and verbal history. Now residing in Monticello, Utah; Garry is regaling locals and visitors with tales of the Civil War, including Utah’s role in this war between brothers.
Paul Mantz, an expert in the development and evolution of the Musket was also part of this Living History Event. He gave talks about this armament and its role in the Civil War. Visitors to the Museum were given a chance to handle the weapon and pretend to be part of the military.
Paul Mantz – Musket Expert
Visitor tries his hand at the musket
Utah’s role in the Civil War was far from glorious; Federal troops were drawn from the territory to bolster Union forces. This allowed Native Americans in the area to raid settlements, so units from California and Utah were forced to quell these raids instead of helping the Union Army. Mineral deposits found in Utah, by California soldiers, encouraged the immigration of non-Mormon settlers into Utah which now caused disputes between Mormon and non-Mormon settlers.
During Garry’s exhibition, authentic bullets from Gettysburg, PA were raffled off every hour; a set of authentic bullets in a display case, from Virginia, was the grand prize. The North won over the South once again when the grand prize was won by a former New Yorker and Northerner….myself.
Garry is currently attempting to develop a re-enactment group here in Monticello, Utah. The Kershaw Battalion Civil War Re-enactment Group; step into a soldier’s life from the 1860s; perform battle re-enactments, learn period dances and songs. Ages: 16 and older; for more information, contact Captain Garry Mooneyhan Jr. at (435) 979-6498
Visitors listen to Civil War stories
~ Mary Cokenour ~
Monticello Welcome Center/Frontier Museum 