'Fort D Days' coming to Cape in May

Guns will roar again at the May 6 to 7 "Fort D Days" event held at Cape Girardeau's historic Fort D, on Locust Street off Sprigg Street, four blocks south of Highway 74.

Fort D was a triangular fortification ringed by earthen mounds on two sides in the Civil War. It protected Cape Girardeau and its Mississippi River port from posible Confederate Army attacks on land. Cannons could fire on enemy vessels in the river.

Later, a stone building was constructed during the federal Works Progress Administration in the 1930's. Fort D was designated as a city park in 1937. Through the years, the building served as a meeting place for various groups until historians and the city implemented renovations that transformed it into the historic site.

A Civil War encampment featuring living history demonstrations, food and live fire will be available for the public to experience without cost. Re-enactors will demonstrate camp life, drill activities, live rifle, firing and nonfiring operations with the cannon.

The 34-star Union flag will be raised over the original earthen walls of the fort.

The event is sponsored by the city of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department, Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, Civil War Roundtable of Cape Girardeau and The Turner Brigade. For more information, call the Civil War Roundtable president at 334-4134.