Civil War Days brings the fog of war to Lake County Forest Preserve

 By Josh Van Dyke

  Almost an century and a half after the Civil War ended Union and Confederate troops fought at the Lake County Forest Preserves.  The battle, which featured about 500 reenactors, was part of the 18th annual Civil War days show.

  Cannons blasted, rifles fired, and soldiers yelled throughout the field.  The show featured tactics that were actually used during the Civil War, with cavalry, infantry and artillery entering the fray.

  After the fight former President Abraham Lincoln spoke to the onlookers.  Other than the combat there were attraction like a blacksmith creating tools, an old-fashioned music band, and a chance to talk to historical figures like General Custer.