“Our Success is Complete and Secession is Killed in this Country.” This boastful telegram from Gen. George B. McClellan proclaimed the Federal victory at Rich Mountain Battlefield, 154 years ago. While the July 11, 1861 battle did secure north-western Virginia for the Union, and propelled Gen. McClellan to prominence, it was only the beginning of the long and bloody Civil War.
Reenactors will remember this significant occasion this weekend, Saturday July 11 and Sunday, July 12, at the Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War site, 7 miles west of Beverly, West Virginia. The public is invited to come observe, learn, and participate in a variety of activities recreating events surrounding this battle.
The “Skirmish along the Turnpike” will take place Saturday afternoon, July 11, at 3:30 west of Camp Garnett. In the original action the day before the battle, Union troops tested the defenses of Confederate Camp Garnett by advancing along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike and adjoining woods. Met by strong resistance and cannon fire, the Federals retreated and determined not to make a frontal attack on the Camp. Spectators can view this reenactment along the roadway between Camp Garnett and Field of Fire Park. Those arriving earlier can participate in living history tours starting at 1 p.m. Tour participants will encounter a variety of activities with Civil War soldiers and 19th century citizens.
The next day, Union troops took a roundabout route around Camp Garnett to the top of Rich Mountain, and encountered there a Confederate outpost guarding the pass at the Hart Farm. The reenactment of this battle will take place on Sunday July 12 at 2 p.m. on grounds near Field of Fire Park.
The public is invited to take part in the full range of activities over the weekend.
Saturday, July 11
10:30 am Civilian Social
1 – 3 pm Living History tours with dramatic Civil War scenarios
3:30 pm Skirmish along the Turnpike, battle reenactment
5:00 pm Civil War musical program by Tower Street Stringband
6:00 pm BBQ Dinner (Tickets $10 in advance)
8:00 pm Camp Dance with Rich Mountain String Band
Sunday, July 12
11:00 am Period Church Service
1:30 pm Memorial Ceremony
2:00 pm Battle of Rich Mountain reenactment
Activities will take place near Field of Fire on the west side of the Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site. Located along Rich Mountain road, the site can be reached by continuing about one mile east from Mabie, or over Rich Mountain seven miles west of Beverly. Please allow enough time to get to the site and get parked before the events you wish to see.
All activities are free to the public. Donations and food proceeds will go to help preserve and care of the Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War site. The battle site at Rich Mountain pass, and Camp Garnett earthworks at the base of the mountain, have interpretive signs and are open for visitation. Exhibits and more information about the battle are at the Beverly Heritage Center in Beverly.
Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation manages the site and sponsors the reenactment weekend. The reenactment is hosted by West Virginia Reenactors Association, with support from the Randolph County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For directions, more information or meal tickets contact Beverly Heritage Center, PO Box 227, #4 Court Street, Beverly, WV 26253, 304-637-7424, or see www.richmountain.org.
