JACKSON -- Take a step back in time this weekend as one of the only civilian forts ever constructed in the state of Minnesota celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Rich in history and Scandinavian culture, Fort Belmont in Jackson brings the sights and sounds of the 1800s alive as it commemorates the lifestyles of the first civilian settlers.
Built in the 1860s for protection, Fort Belmont housed roughly 60 to 70 Scandinavian settlers for more than two years. A blacksmith shop, log cabin, sodhouse, church and an old farmhouse are included in the layout of the fort. Civilians only left the fort if necessary, for fear of being attacked by natives.
To honor the history of Fort Belmont, Marilyn Reese, executive director for the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and the secretary/treasurer on the Fort Belmont board, explained the outline for Sunday's events in Jackson.
"We have a wonderful lineup of events planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fort Belmont," said Reese.
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Beginning Sunday afternoon, the First Minnesota Regiment Union Cavalry re-enactment will perform horse riding and proper shooting demonstrations. The cavalry will be dressed in authentic 1862 uniforms with weaponry from the 1800s time period. Demonstrations will focus on the process young men went through when they registered for the cavalry during the 1800s.
Following the cavalry performances, a special recognition ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. to honor the volunteers involved with preserving and restoring Fort Belmont.
"We're run on a total volunteer basis," explained Reese. "People really give a lot of time and commitment to the preservation of the fort. They really deserve to be recognized for all they do."
At 5 p.m. the Ol' Settlers potluck picnic will take place with the Worship, Word & Watermelon service scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the 1902 Delafield Church. The service will be led by the Rev. John Holt, a former minister of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Jackson. Free watermelon will be available after the service.
Special guests for the day's events are the children of Evelyn and the late Buren Watland. The Watland family began restoring the fort after years of uncovering their family history.
"It's going to be a treat to have the Watland family here for this special celebration," said Reese.
Throughout the day, the log cabin and stockade, blacksmith shop, sod house, gift shop, 1873 Lysgard farmhouse and the 1902 Delafield Church will be open for tours as a part of the 50th anniversary celebration. All events for the afternoon are free and open to the public. Horse-drawn wagon rides will also be available at no charge to the public continuously throughout the day.
Cavalry re-enactments will be at 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday at Fort Belmont,located right off I-90 into Jackson.
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"Visitors can bring a lawn chair and enjoy the times of the 1800s," said Reese. "It's a great lesson in history."
