JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – It was a jump back to the 1870’s at Fort Seward on Saturday.

The Annual Big Guns of the Old West featured many different weapons that were used back in the 1800’s when Fort Seward was an active fort. Guns displayed included Springfield Rifles, a Howitzer cannon and a Gatling gun. Gatling gun owner Chuck Keller has been demonstrating his passion for nearly 30 years.

Referring to himself as Sgt. Keller, he addressed a crowd of more than 100 who came out to see the deadly, 600-rounds per minute weapon fired. He says he travels to Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota with the 1874 Gatling gun, which takes him around 15 hours to prepare for each demonstration.

The event also featured a Howitzer cannon. Used by the cavalry in skirmishes with Native American tribes. There were demonstrations of butter making, bread baking, soap making, and life during the 1800’s.

Dale Marks brought his collection of historic Springfield rifles, giving demonstrations of its evolution throughout the course of history. The free-will donation event was held also to raise money for Fort Seward and their future projects. You can read more about them here.

Below are some photos and video from the event held Saturday, September 8th at Fort Seward in Jamestown.