Milicia de San Carlos Reenactment Group Demonstrates 18th Century Weapons in St. Charles, MO

In celebration of the anniversary of Missouri statehood, we visited the First State Capitol in St. Charles, Missouri to attend the open house.  The following pictures feature the members of Milicia de San Carlos, a re-enactment group that portrays Spanish military personnel and local citizens of early St. Charles, Missouri.  The military contingent represents the regulars of the Louisiana Regiment and the local militia, both infantry and artillery. Uniforms, civilian clothing, and equipment are authentic to the time period of the late 1700s. Weapons include reproduction muskets, rifles and artillery pieces.  The highlight of the program was the firing of the powder charge from the cannon.
 

Reenactor demonstrates bayonet stance with musket

Reproduction of 18th Century Cannon

Quill is placed on cannon before powder is lit

Quill ready to be lit

Powder is packed into cannon barrel

Closeup of powder bag

Boom!!