Cherokee leader Ostenaco (circa 1703-1780) will be portrayed by Doug Wood of Hurricane as part of the Mary Ingles 18th century encampment at Beech Fork State Park. The presentation is part of the History Alive! program of the West Virginia Humanities Council and will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014.
Ostenaco, an important Cherokee ally of Virginia military leaders during the French and Indian War, was instrumental in recruiting and leading the Indian alliance that provided support and protection for British colonial settlements against attack by northern tribes allied with the French. His sphere of influence reached over a wide area. His relationships with Virginia leaders contributed to the expansion of English-speaking peoples into present day West Virginia.
The Legacy of Mary Ingles weekend at Beech Fork State Park is Sept. 11-14, 2014. School group dates are Sept. 11 and 12, making the encampment an outdoor classroom. The encampments and activities open to the public Sept. 13 and 14. The encampment demonstrates early American Indian and European settlers’ primitive lifestyles. Since 1989, the Mary Ingles Trail Associates have presented an historical encampment based on research of the life of Mary Draper Ingles. Embroiled in the turmoil of the French & Indian War, Mary was captured by Shawnee Indians in July 1755. After several months, she escaped and made her way back home by walking more than 500 miles. That journey took her through the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia.
Beech Fork State Park is located near Barboursville and Huntington. To learn more about park, camping, cabins and outdoor activities, visit www.beechforksp.com or call 304-528-5794
About History Alive!
Ostenaco is one of the many available character presentations offered through the West Virginia Humanities Council’s History Alive! program as a means of exploring history by interacting with noteworthy historical figures. These programs provide audiences with the opportunity to question those who have shaped history.
The West Virginia Humanities Council is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing educational programs in the humanities for all West Virginians. For 40 years the Council has been providing educational programs in the humanities across the state.
This program is available to both nonprofit and for-profit groups. For more information call The West Virginia Humanities Council at 346-8500 or visit the website www.wvhumanities.org.
