SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – Re-enactors came to Sioux City to explore a part of history and highlight an important event from the 19th century.
Re-enactors took Sioux City back in time to commemorate the travels of Lewis and Clark and their crew nearly 200 years ago.
“We do research and try to portray as accurately as possible what it was like back then,” says Dwight Peters, who recreates Private John Potts.
The Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center featured authentic tents, camping equipment, uniforms and firearms as used during the expedition. All of the re-enactors got a feel for their characters by sleeping and eating outdoors all weekend. Peters describes what really immerses him in his role.
“Well, I’ve learned as much about him as I can and just putting on the uniform really brings back memories.”
Mike Berger, who portrayed Captain Meriwether Lewis, has shared his passion for history since joining the group decades ago. He says he wants participants to learn about the city’s past so they can better appreciate what we have today.
“The camp is designed as a living history camp, so our camp is geared toward public interest. At certain times we do exercises or demonstrations,” Berger said. “But we invite the public to come in and ask questions. In our living camp, most of the time we are out of character so we can interact. Sometimes we do presentations with someone in full character.”
To commemorate the funeral of Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only expedition member to pass through during their voyage, the group wore full uniform to make the funeral as authentic as possible.
To learn more about the history of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, click this link.
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