LIVERMORE — Hundreds of people visited the Norlands on Saturday to participate in or get an up-close history lesson on the Civil War.

In a medical tent, anesthesiologist Bob Tillson spoke of needing to hold patients down during surgery. Anesthesia had been used for 20 years, but supplies were often unavailable. 

Catrina MacKenzie was personifying Annie Etheridge, a young Michigan woman who enlisted with other ladies. The intention was for them to do laundry and cook meals.

Etheridge had nursing experience, so she borrowed a horse and filled saddlebags with bandages. She rode with the men into 32 battles where she performed basic first aid on the front lines. “She was credited with saving thousands of lives,” MacKenzie said.

Maj. Gen. Kearny had planned to make Etheridge a sergeant, but he died before he could do so. He did bestow upon her the Kearny Cross for her valor. She once was shot in the hand while a soldier cowered behind her. The soldier was killed by the bullet.

After the war, Etheridge applied for a pension, but because she was a woman, she was at first turned down. She received so much support from generals and other officers that she was granted $25 per month. Etheridge was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Kelly and Carrie Tessier were part of the Colonial Kids Club, demonstrating old-time children’s games. “This is the best place ever for them,” Carrie said. 

The appearance of President Abraham Lincoln was popular. An honor guard stood at attention while waiting for him to leave. Capt. Pete Gilbert of the 118th New York, Richard and Benjamin Roy from the 3rd Maine and Steve Moody of the 2nd Vermont were members of that unit.

Stephen Wood gave an authentic portrayal of Lincoln as he spoke to the people gathered in the church. He then visited the Union troops and later took a meal with them.

John Peterson, portraying sutler Saul Goode, spoke of selling things to vary the soldiers’ diets. Spoonfuls of butter and pickles were common items. Oysters were another favorite. “Two-thirds of the soldiers who perished in the Civil War; 400,000 men died in the camps from diseases,” Peterson said.

Gray resident Steve Bunker was with a Maine Calvary Unit. He showed saddles designed by Gen. McClellan that were used during the war and re-enactment. On display were an 1858 McClellan saddle and a Grimsley artillery saddle. That saddle was designed to carry portmanteaus, not riders. 

Tim Perkins was an adjutant with the 6th Battalion, part of the army of northern Virginia. Fifteen companies made up that Confederate battalion. 

Jeremiah Dyer had fun trying on clothing from the Civil War era. He had tried out the children’s games and was successful at the ring toss. “The hoop was kind of hard,” he said.

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A Civil War re-enactment will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Norlands Living History Center in Livermore.