Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Battery member Bruce Olson of New Ulm, left, talks about a battery cannon to Stacey Knight of Corona, Ca. outside the historic Kiesling House in downtown New Ulm Saturday.

NEW ULM — New Ulm Battery members shared the history of the organization and described a cannon on display outside the historic Kiesling House Saturday.

Visitors came from as far away as Las Vegas and Los Angeles to learn about the only community-based Civil War era militia in the country that is still in existence.

Stacey Knight of Corona, Ca. and a friend were among visitors from greater distances.

The New Ulm Battery was formed in 1863 to protect the town from attacks in the aftermath of the U.S. – Dakota War of 1862, aka the Sioux Uprising.

Today, it serves as an historic reminder of New Ulm’s past.

“There are other batteries, but none that have been in existence for more than 160 years,” said New Ulm Battery Vice President Bruce Olson of New Ulm.

“It takes several people to operate the cannon. If we were doing a live cannon demonstration, we would have a person run gunpowder from a remote location to load the cannon, a commander to shout instructions on what to do,” Olson said.

He said the cannon as shown at the Kiesling House can fire a shell up to a mile accurately. With a different barrel, it could fire a shell up to 2 1/3 miles.

Knight said she has taken walking tours at U.S. Civil War sites near Washington, D.C.

“This event is fun because you get to talk to people. Most other times, we fire the cannon and the event is over,” said Olson.

He said the Battery believes history shows the cannon they use now was used at Fort Ridgely during the Sioux Uprising.

Other Battery members with Olson at the Kiesling House Saturday were Bryce Stenzel of Mankato who teaches school in St. Clair and Chad Wengert of New Ulm who works at Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI).

The Battery was called to action at times after the Sioux Uprising. In the 1930s, it was used to quell riots and control protestors in Tracy after railroad labor disputes caused unrest.

Now the Battery takes a more ceremonious role, taking part in parades in New Ulm and southern Minnesota, among other activities including firing at the state capitol for May Day.

The Battery has about 20 members but is looking for new recruits.

Highly-motivated individuals with a sincere appreciation of history and respect for the unique role played by the U.S. military in keeping our nation free.

Membership is open to any person age 18 or older with good character. Junior membership is available for persons age 16-17, provided their parents are members.

Battery members must be willing to participate in at least two parades and six membership meetings a year. Those interested are invited to visit the New Ulm Battery Facebook site.