The History

 In the July 11 1861 Battle of Rich Mountain, 310 Confederates with one cannon defended a mountain pass against an attack by 1,917 Federals. Following a spirited defense, the Confederates were forced to pull back from the battlefield and from their fortifications at Camp Garnett on the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. This action was claimed as a major victory by Union commanding general George B. McClellan, who as a result of this success was subsequently named to command the Army of the Potomac. The Federals retained control of Northwestern Virginia, and two years later the state of West Virginia was formed.

Battles and Activities

 The 2003 Reenactment commemorates the 142nd anniversary of this important battle in the history of the formation of the state of West Virginia The Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation, caretakers of this precious historic site, welcome reenactors to join us for a weekend of celebration of our mutual Civil War history while helping to raise much needed funds for continued preservation of the site. We have planned a full, yet entertaining and educational event, that we hope everyone in attendance will enjoy.

       A brief memorial service is planned for Saturday morning at the Battlefield to honor the soldiers who gave their lives for their causes, and to honor the Hart family, whose farm was the site of the 1861 battle. Following the service, reenactors can participate in a tactical scenario moving from the Battlefield at the summit of Rich Mountain down the mountain to Camp Garnett. A ladies Tea and other civilian events will fill the day.

 An auction of Civil War and other antique items is also planned as a primary fundraiser for the foundation. We hope that you will attend and participate in this fun event and help raise the much-needed funds for our efforts. Saturday evening will also include a camp style dance

 Sunday will include a period church service and the Reenactment Battle of the Battle of Rich Mountain. Please refer to the tentative schedule for additional activities and events.

Camping

 Campsites will be in front of Camp Garnett on the grounds of the Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site. Some camping areas may require carrying your gear a few hundred feet, especially if the ground is wet. Parking (after unloading) will be about 1/4 mile from the camps. Cars will not be allowed in camp after 9-00 am On Saturday. Modern camping (no hookups) for reenactors will be in the parking area below Field of Fire.

 Camp for authentic civilian impressions will be provided between the Union and Confederate camps. With their commander's permission, civilians may also camp with their units in the military camps.

Amenities

 We will provide all standard amenities including firewood, hay, water, and Porto-pots. A powder ration will be issued.

 On Saturday night a picnic-style BarBQ chicken dinner will be available BY ADVANCE TICKET ONLY at a reduced price (for participating reenactors) of $5 each. You can purchase tickets with your preregistration or any time up until June 27. Dinner availability without advance reservation CAN NOT be guaranteed!

It is some distance from the camp to stores and restaurants in town. Some food sutlers may be present, but please plan to bring all of the food you’ll need for the weekend.

Sutlers

 The sutler area will be near to the main activity area. We may need to limit the number of sutlers, so please preregister! The sutler fee will be based on the size of your setup A sutler tent the size of a standard wall tent plus fly (about 12’x 24'), or smaller, will pay a fee Of $15. A setup larger than that will be charged $35. This will include registration for 2 people; additional people will need to pay the $5 ($8 late) per person charge. Please let us also know the general type of goods that you sell. All sutlers must be authentic in their tent setup and appearance, as well as in the majority of the goods they sell.

AUTHENTICITY NOTE

This An “Authentic Event” -- NOT a "HARD CORE" Event. All impressions, on the battlefield and in camp, are expected to maintain ordinary “authentic” standards. We do require that modern amenities (coolers, sleeping bags etc.) be disguised in camp. This will be the responsibility of the unit commanders to enforce.

 Lodging Information

Tourist Information Center, Elkins (800) 422-3304

Developed camping with hookups (at some campgrounds)
At Monongahela National Forest (304) 636-1800

Motels - Elkins:
Best Western (800) 528-1234
Econo Lodge (800) 446-6900
Days Inn (304) 637-4667
Elkins Motor Lodge 636-1400
Super 8 Motel 636-6500
Red Carpet Inn 636-1990

Bed & Breakfasts

Elkins:
The Retreat (304) 636-2960
Tunnel Mountain 636-1684
Warfield House 636-6120

Huttonsville:
Hutton House 335-6701
Cardinal Inn 335-6701
 

Sponsored by:

 Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation

Hosted by:

 West Virginia Reenactors Association