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August 17, 2010 12:22 PM

Fort Snelling: Gun powder, fuses and the boom of a cannon

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The cannon explained — Alex Weston entertains and educates as he tells onlookers how to fire a cannon.
MPR photo/Marc Sanchez

Historic Fort Snelling looks much like it might have 185 years ago.

Spread throughout the grounds, you'll find historic interpreters in traditional garb. There might be a blacksmith pounding out a nail or cook making a meal a period specific meal. What attracts many people, however, are the soldiers.

One task that the soldiers perform is the firing of the cannon. It's a crowd-pleaser for sure, and it's an attraction that gets people to this living history site. When Fort Snelling was fully operational, the cannon was never actually fired.

Alex Weston, a self-confessed history buff, works as an historic interpreter and gives the commands to fire the cannon. He really enjoys his job, especially being able to engage with visitors about how Minnesota became a state.

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Gaurding the fort — Historic interpreters roam the grounds of Fort Snelling and answer visitor questions.
MPR photo/Marc Sanchez

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The cannon explained — Alex Weston entertains and educates as he tells onlookers how to fire a cannon.
MPR photo/Marc Sanchez

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Firing the cannon — A complete gun crew consists of about 18 men, but you can get by with as few as four.
MPR photo/Marc Sanchez

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