On Jan. 4, 1861 Alabama troops marched into historic Fort Morgan and seized control from the U.S. government.

On Saturday, visitors of all ages marched in and watched as that memorable day was re-enacted, commemorating 150 years since the event.

“It was a great day,” said Michael Bailey, now in his 23rd year as Historic Programs Coordinator at Fort Morgan. “In fact, it was the best visitation of any day in the month.”

Throughout the year, Fort Morgan, located 18 miles west of Hwy. 59 on Fort Morgan Road, will be commemorating events that happened during 1861.

On Saturday, activities began with Alabama troops marching in to confront U. S.  Federal Ordinance Sgt. Stewart Patterson and taking control of the fort.

“We actually had troops march into the Fort, and had someone portraying Sgt. Patterson. During the afternoon, the troops trained much like they would have done back in 1861,” said Bailey.

Visitors watched at troops re-enacted firing drills, infantry drills and artillery practice.

According to Bailey, most of the individuals involved in the re-enactments are from the South Baldwin and Pensacola areas.

Because 2011 is in the sesquicentennial of the Civil War era, Bailey said that all events at the Fort in the coming years will correspond with that year in the Civil War.

“Every event that we do this year will be something that happened in 1861. So, we will have the Confederate Garrison for April 18, 1861, which was the one time during the Civil War when the most troops, 1,072 total, were here under the command of William J. Hardee.”

Bailey said that even the June and July candlelight tours, which begin at 7 p.m. each Tuesday evening, would also be focused on 1861.

All ages were represented at Saturday’s re-enactment, which, according to Bailey is truly a live history lesson.

“This is commemorating what actually took place back in 1861. It is a great opportunity to learn. We were very pleased with the attendance. We had a lot of kids here, seniors, and families.”

For additional information about up-coming events at Fort Morgan, you can call 251-540-7127 or visit ft-morgan.com.