By Christian Coffman

NATCHEZ — Spanish artillerymen will be spotted on Fort Rosalie once again Saturday.

More than 200 years after the Spanish left Natchez, the Natchez National Historical Park will host its first 18th-century, Spanish reenactment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the fort site on South Canal Street.The event will include the recreation of a Spanish camp filled with colonial artillerymen, soldiers and living historians.

David Slay, Chief of Interpretations at Natchez National Historical Park, said those interested in participating in the reenactment are welcome to attend.

Slay said he and another ranger from Vicksburg will be on hand to

help set up and interpret the event.

Slay said several events should be occurring during the event so that visiting tourists will have something to see and remember about Natchez.

“The tourist economy is (important),” Slade said. “There’s all this advertising on billboards on the way into St. Augustine in Florida for its history … people can’t help but visit. We hope that Natchez can be the same way.”

Slay said he hopes participants will teach visitors about the different cultures from the 18th century around Natchez, including  antique weapons and what life was like for women.

“We’ll have a number of female historians showing the culture of that time: the clothing, day-to-day material culture … It was a different time,” Slay said. “There’s a little something for everyone, I hope.”

Other sights will include Spanish colonial artillerymen and soldiers along with civilian living historians recreating revolutionary era life and material culture.

Visitors will be able to speak with soldiers and listen to their stories of conquest and battle under General Galvez, as well as watch how the Spanish conducted military drills and meet with fur trappers and settlers.

“A lot of the performers are school teachers, and this is how they educate,” Slay said.

“It’s educational and interesting. It’s an eye into Natchez’s past,” Slay said.

For more information about the event contact Slay at 601-446-5790 ext. 19 or by email at David_Slay@nps.gov.