Fifth annual cannon firing event Published May 25, 2011 By 052511 MANSFIELD, La. -- A period Civil War demonstration, complete with authentically uniformed soldiers and equipment will be featured on Saturday, May 28, at Mansfield State Historic Site. Hosted by the 4th Louisiana Artillery Battery, activities will include live cannon firing demonstrations using a full-scale Civil War cannon. Visitors can also tour the grounds and talk to the soldiers and period civilians. "This type of program helps the visitor visualize mid-19th century history in a way that brings it to life and makes it real," said Scott Dearman, Park Manager. "It gives them a sense of what it was like for Civil War soldiers in the field." The program will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mansfield State Historic Site is located three miles south of the town of Mansfield, LA, on State Highway 175. The park can be accessed east/west via U.S. Highway 84, or north/south via Interstate 49. The site is the scene of the 1864 Battle of Mansfield, a Civil War engagement involving almost 30,000 troops. In addition to Louisiana troops, almost 10,000 Texans were engaged in the battle, the most Lone Star soldiers in any single battle of the Civil War. The park includes a portion of the Mansfield battlefield, a walking trail and monuments. The park museum contains an audio-visual program, exhibits, artifact displays, gift shop, and restroom facilities. A small fee is charged; children and seniors admitted free. For more information, call the park at (318) 872-1474, or toll-free at 1-888-677-6267.