The Information below

Was Provided By:

Matthew C. kestel

Peter O'Hill

4th Illinois Cavalry

Later served aboard

the

U.S.S. Cairo

Peter O'Hill

Is portrayed by:

Matthew C. kestel

LOOKING FOR ALL ABLE BODIED MEN FOR THE NAVY!!

MISSION - The mission of the crew of the U.S.S. Cairo is to bring the awareness of the naval action in the western theater during the civil war, and to educate individuals on the life of a sailor, naval action of the civil war, the crew manning the ships, and the civil war.

WHY THE U.S.S. CAIRO ?. The name U.S.S. Cairo was chosen because it is the only ironclad in the western theater that was recovered and is restored the way it was 140 years ago. The U.S.S. Cairo is on display in Vicksburg Mississippi.

THE ORIGINAL CREW OF THE CAIRO - most of the crew was made up of immigrants that came to the United States to make a living. But there was still a shortage of men so the government offered a $100.00 enlistment bonus and a one year navy enlistment compared to the army's three year enlistment.

ARMAMENT OF THE SAILORS - Each sailor was given a rifle, M1851 naval pistol, 1860 naval cutlass (sword) and a boarding ax. All these weapons were used for landing parties who saw battle action on land. Which wasn't uncommon for the western theater navy.

"SEVEN CITY CLASS" IRONCLAD'S- In 1862 the government called upon Mr. James eads to build 7 Ironclad's for protection from the Confederates invading the water ways of the North and taking complete control of the Northern States. These ships were 175 feet long and 51 feet wide. These were commonly called "POOK TURTLES".

We try to portray sailors on board the U.S.S. Cairo as authentic as possible. With much research we have come a long way and are making our impression better. If you are interested in joining us in reliving this part of history or would like to educate yourself or others with naval action in the civil war, please contact the name below.

For Information regarding reenacting with the crew of the U.S.S. Cairo, Please click on the link below and mention that you viewed this on this web site, and we shall ship our information and catalogs free of charge. Information regarding where to purchase weapons, uniform, etc. If you already reenact, some of your gear will work perfectly for service with the Navy. (e.g. mess gear etc.)

For free information on the preceding item list, please contact:

CREW OF THE U.S.S. CAIRO

MATTHEW C. KESTEL

706 N. SPRINGFIELD AVE.

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS,

ZIP, 61101-5045

PHONE: (815) 962-1665

E-MAIL usscairo44@aol.com

 

Panoramic View of
U.S.S. Cairo

 

ronwally@yahoo.com