| The West Virginia Reenactors Association invites you to the 150th Anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Rich Mountain. On July 11, 1861, 310 Confederates with one cannon defended a mountain pass against an attack by 1,917 Federals in THE BATTLE OF RICH MOUNTAIN. Following a spirited defense, the Confederates were forced to abandon the Battlefield as well as Camp Garnett, their major fortification on the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike at the western base of Rich Mountain. |
| This action was claimed as a major victory by commanding general George B. McClellan, who was subsequently named to command the Army of the Potomac as a result of this success. The Federals retained control of Northwestern Virginia, and two years later the new state of West Virginia enterned the Union. |
| 150 YEARS AGO |
| The first military actions of the Civil War took place in the mountains of West Virginia. We invite you to come reenact The Battle of Rich Mountain and the First Campaign. With an emphasis on early war authenticity and small-town welsome, we invite you to come help commemorate this nationally significant battle. |
| THE BATTLES |
| The Battle of Rich Mountain Reenactment on Sunday will closely follow the events of the historic event, held on neighboring land in order to not damage the battlefield site. Only one cannon and limited cavalry were in the origional battle, and we ask your cooperation in presenting this historical portrayal. |
| The Skirmish Along the Pike - Saturday afternoon will feature action before the battle along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike route, central to the battle strategy. |
| Demonstrations - Artillery, cavalry, and other demonstrations are encouraged following the Saturday skirmish. |
| Tactical - For the enjoyment of the reenactors, Saturday morgning offers a tactical through the woods before camps open to spectators. |
| THE ACTIVITIES |
| Concert - Friday evening at 8pm., early arrivals are invited to attend a free concert of Civil War music by the Blue and Gray Choir of Randolph County Community Arts Center in Elkins. |
| Ladies Social & Sewing Circle - Civilian gathering with program, sewing project, and refreshments. |
| Living History - Civilians and military are encouraged to offer living history scenarios - please describe your portrayals or ideas on the pre-registration sheet. |
| Dance - The Rich Mountain String Band will lead and teach a rousing camp dance Saturday evening. |
| Battlefield Tour - early risers Sunday morning may take a guided "backcountry" tour to see features of Rich Mountain Battlefield not usually seen by visitors. |
| Church Service - Sunday morning period church service. |
| Memorial Ceremony - a short ceremony before the reenactment battle will honor those slain in the origional battle. |
| 150th Commemoration - This year, we will hold an additional commemoration ceremony at the battlefield on the actual day of the battle july 11, 150 years ago. This ceremony is open to any who wish to atay until Monday to participate. |
| AMENITIES |
| Camps - Camp sites will be on the grounds of the Civil War site. Military, campaigner, and civilian camps will be avaliable to suit the preferences of your unit. With commander's permission, civilians may camp with their units in the military camps. Some areas may require carrying your gear in, especially in the ground is wet. Parking, after you unload, is 1/4 mile from the camps. Modern camping (no hookups) for reenactors will be located at the parking area. Camping before & after the event is avaliable for those participating in extended 150th activities. |
| Sutlers - The sutler area will be near the main activity area at Field of Fire. |
| Amenities - We will provide firewood, hay, water, and portopots. Flush toilets and showers are avaliable at Field of Fire pavilion, about 1/4 mile from camps. |
| Powder - A powder ration will be issued to those soldiers who have pre-registered. |
| Bar-B-Que - Chicken or pork dinner is avaliable by advance ticket. Dinner tickets are $6 with early registration. $8 after May 16th, and $10 after July 2nd. On-site dinners will only be avaliable if supplies last after all ticketed diners have eaten. |
| HOW TO GET HERE |
| The Reenactment will take place at Camp Garnett and Field of Fire Park, located 6.5 miles west of Beverly, Randolph County, WV. The nearest town with motels and services is Elkins, 10 minuites north of Beverly and about a 30-minuite drive from the site. |
| To Reach the site from the East (Beverly): Turn off Rt 250 west onto Rich Mountain Road. Follow the RMBF signs 5 miles to the Battlefield at the top of the mountain. (part of the road is gravel). Continue following Rich Mountain Road another 1 1/2 miles further west to the bottom of the mountain. This is the Camp Garnett location, where reenactor camping and registration will be located. |
| To Reach the site from the West (Rt 33): At the Northern Exit off Rt 33 (1.4 miles east of the stoplight intersection with Rt 250) turn right onto Rt 151. When Rt 151 comes to a T-intersection, turn right and cross the bridge. Just across the bridge, turn left to Norton. Continue 4 miles, then turn left toward Mabie. Continue an additional 2 miles, then bear left onto Rich Mountain Road. Continue about 1.5 miles to Field of Fire Park. Camp Garnett, for reenactor camping & Registration, is just past Field of Fire. (all bardtop.) |
| To Beverly Heritage Center in Beverly: Take Rt 250/219 5 miles south from Elkins. Once in Beverly turn east at the town square at the intersection of Rt 250 and the Files Creek Road (one block south of the battlefield sign at Rich Mountain Road) Beverly Heritage Center is across from Town Square, with parking and entrance behind the buildings. |
