SPANISH FORT — Cannonballs thundered and smoke filled the air as Confederate and Union soldiers were spotted camping among a clearing at Blakeley State Park where fortifications remain almost 160 years after the Civil War.

Reenactors and attendees filled what once was Fort Blakeley, where one of the last battles in the war was fought. With forts, pits and trenches still intact and soldiers walking around in uniform carrying 19th century weaponry, it was difficult to remember it's actually 2025.

Artillery demonstrations were held throughout the day on April 5 along with historic boat cruises and the display of a sword used in the Battle of Fort Blakeley by Capt. John Kinney, which returned to the site for the first time in 160 years at this year's battle reenactment.

Todd Williams worked at Blakeley previously as a reenactor. One year, he mentioned that his family had a sword used on the site that had been passed down to the oldest male in each generation from his great-great-grandfather, the captain.

"Our family is very proud to uncover this unique part of our story and share it with our fellow citizens at this reenactment of the Battle of Fort Blakeley," Williams said. "We can only imagine John L. Kinney, sword in hand, fighting for 'all men are created equal.' It's a thrilling mental picture for each of us, and we're honored that the park chose to include this living history in the day's commemoration."

Kinney served in the 10th Iowa Volunteer Infantry where he fought in battles in Corinth, Thompson's Hill, Champion Hill and Vicksburg, among several other sites. After two years in service, he became lieutenant of the 50th United States Colored Troops. As lieutenant, he led troops across the South from New Orleans to Pensacola and ultimately laid siege on Mobile in the Battle of Fort Blakeley.

According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama page on the Battle of Fort Blakeley, the battle had the goal of ultimately capturing the City of Mobile, which was the "last major port" occupied by the Confederates. The battle was held on April 9, 1865, which was the same day Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered, signifying the start of the end for the Civil War.

The captain's sword wasn't the only Civil War remains on hand over the weekend, as tools from pots to guns used by the reenactors were original pieces from the time period or quality replicas. The commissary on the Confederate side used 19th century cookware and recipes to make meals over a fire.

"For every soldier on the battlefield, there's 10 of us back here trying to feed them," the cook said.

Many of the soldiers, on both sides of the battle, ate bean stew made over a fire with homemade bread and hard, "military-grade" crackers. After camping in their forts overnight, the men readied themselves for the battle reenactment by taking shifts keeping watch in hide-outs and taking naps when the action was dull.

According to the Encyclopedia page, the battle was over within 30 minutes after the Union soldiers "overwhelmed the Confederate line." The battle reenactment was just as accurate with a close-quarters attack within 300 yards that was over within the hour.