2007 Battle Reenactment
14 & 15 July

Tentative Schedule

Friday

3 pm - 11 Registration Camp Garnett

Saturday

8 am-Noon Registration Camp Garnett
9 am Tactical
10 am Camps open to Public/Ladies Tea
11-1 pm Living Histories in Camps
2 pm Federal Recon of Camp Garnett
3-5 pm Camp & Battlefield Tours
                  Benefit AUCTION
                  Cannon/ Rifle Demo (tent.)
5 pm Camps Close to Public
5:30 pm BBQ
8 pm Camp Dance

Sunday

9 am-1 Registration
10 am Camps Open
11 am Church Service
12:30 pm Dress Parade/Both Armies
                       Form up for Battle
1:00 pm Soldier Memorial
2 pm “Battle of Rich Mountain”
5pm Camps Close

The HISTORICAL BATTLE

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 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.

 

The REENACTMENT EVENT

2007 marks the 146th Anniversary of this important battle. It also marks the 16-year Anniversary of the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation, the caretaker of this rich historic site. In our short-lived history, RMBF has promoted, preserved, and protected this important piece of West Virginia and United States history for future generations. We are proud to sponsor the “BATTLE OF RICH MOUNTAIN REENACTMENT 2007”

This event is the primary promotional and fundraising event for the site in 2007. This year, we are planning a variety of new approaches to the reenactment schedule in order to provide maximum enjoyment for both reenactors and spectators alike.

The Saturday battle, “The Skirmish Along the Pike” is designed to feature the actions along the historic Staunton-Parkersburg turnpike route leading up to the Battle of Rich Mountain. The Sunday battle is planned to feature a historically accurate reenactment of the actual battle, preceded by artillery and cavalry demonstrations as available. The battle had only one cannon (Confederate) engaged and limited cavalry, and may require some galvanizing of infantry. We ask your cooperation in presenting this historical portrayal, and promise that everyone, including artillery and cavalry, will have plenty of opportunity to participate in the weekend’s events.

 

The ACTIVITIES

This year’s event will include a tactical battle for the enjoyment of the reenactors. As we have done in the past, reenactors will skirmish their way along the Pike from the Battlefield to Camp Garnett. The afternoon scenario will include a Federal recon of the Camp Garnett site giving way for Confederate victory. The traditional Ladies Tea and living history scenarios will be included in the Saturday schedule. Anyone interested in participating in the living history scenarios may include their portrayals or ideas on the reverse side of the pre-registration sheet.

 

The CAMPS

Camp sites will be in front of Camp Garnett and at Field of Fire park 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 you unload, will be about 1/4 mile from the camps. Cars will not be allowed in camp after 8am Saturday (unless medically necessary.) Modern camping (no hookups) for reenactors will be located at the parking area. Camp for authentic civilian impressions will be provided between the military camps. With their commander’s permission, civilians may also camp with their units in the military camps.

 

The SUTLERS

The sutler area will be near the main activity area at Field of Fire Park. Pre-registration is a must in order to allot for spacing. The sutler fee is based upon the size of your setup. A sutler tent the size of a standard wall tent plus fly (About 12x12), or smaller will pay a fee of $25. A setup larger than that will be charged $35. This will include registration for 2 people, additional people will need to pay the $12 fee ($15 after July 1)per person charge. Please let us know the type of good you sell also. Sutlers must be authentic in their tent setup and appearance, as well as in the majority of goods they sell.