Spring Drill and Dedication of New Cannon Carriage

4/20/2024 | Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site | Pilot Knob, MO

The annual spring drill featuring the Turner Brigade Civil War reenactors will be held on Saturday, April 20. This event is an annual training for the brigade, and it gives the public a chance to interact with the reenactors and learn from the brigade members. In conjunction with the spring drill, the historic site will host a dedication ceremony to commemorate the addition of a new historically accurate carriage for our replica Woodruff gun cannon.

The records of our battle confirm that several Woodruff guns were present during our battle in 1864. Until recent research identified the error, the cannon had been displayed on a standard field gun carriage. After extensive research, we have completed a historically correct carriage for the cannon, and it is quite unique in design and function compared to other cannons of the time.

The ceremony will include reenactors loading and firing the cannon, and informative words from staff and invited guests. There will also be a second replica Woodruff, as well as an original Woodruff, which we can now definitively say was one of the guns present at our battle.

The training drill will go from 10 a.m. to noon and will be followed by lunch on your own from noon to 1 p.m. and then the rededication ceremony from 1 p.m. until about 2:30 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register.

For more information about this event, contact Bryan Bethel or Brick Autry at 573-546-3454.

Event time: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Click here to read the news release.

Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site is located at:

118 E. Maple, Pilot Knob, MO | 573-546-3454

Associated activities

  • Interpretive Programs