World War II reenactors filled Tidioute over the weekend to recreate the battle for the Ludendorff Bridge in Remagen, Germany.

Reenactors were dressed in authentic and replica uniforms from 1944, with both the American camp and the Nazi Germany camp.

According to the planning committee, visitors were to “witness authentic troop movements, the echo of gunfire, and the thunder of simulated warfare as period-dressed reenactors portray both U.S. and German soldiers in a high-stakes struggle for control. The event culminates in a thrilling spectacle — the explosive demolition of the bridge, capturing the intensity and chaos of World War II combat. This immersive experience offers a powerful glimpse into the bravery, strategy, and sacrifice of a defining moment in history.”

The Ludendorff Bridge was key in World War II. It was the last bridge across the Rhine River that was standing when it was captured in a 18-day battle when German demolition charges failed to destroy the bridge. The capture of this bridge allowed Allied forces to advance into Germany weeks ahead of what was anticipated. It was so important that German forces sent over 367 aircraft to blow up the bridge over 10 days, along with infantry and armor, howitzers, mortars, floating mines, mined boats, a railroad gun, and V-2 rockets. and the United States defended with the largest collection of antiaircraft weapons assembled in one place during the war.