The West Virginia Reenactor’s Association held it’s reenactment commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Droop Mountain on Labor Day weekend this year due to a scheduling conflict later in the fall. While the event lacked the attraction of colorful autumn leaves, which it normally has, the park is still a remarkably beautiful location. One should keep in mind that the leaves weren’t much on the minds of the Union and Confederate troops who confronted one another here on November 6, 1863.
On that date, about 5000 Federals under Brigadier General W.W. Averill assaulted approximately 1200 Confederates under Brigadier John Echols. While a comparatively small action by the standards of battles on the other side of the Applachians, the battle lacked nothing in ferocity. The Yanks had the advantage of numbers, but the Rebels held the high ground and were supported by artillery. By early afternoon, the Federals turned the Confederate flank and a frontal assault. Echol’s troops were routed and fled in disorder toward Lewisburg to regroup. This battle ended any serious Confederate presence in West Virginia. The Federals suffer 119 casualties and the Confederates 275. *
This is always a fun event in a grand setting. Located on the edge of the Cranberry Wilderness Area, the entire region is remarkably scenic. The WVRA provides a powder ration to participants, as well as a chicken dinner and a dance on Saturday night. The camping areas are ample, although this year, we elected to stay in a beautiful Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Hillsboro, just a few miles away. The weather was moderate this year with the exception of a strong rainstorm for about an hour Saturday evening just before dinner. Overall, another great weekend in the mountains.
*Wikipedia
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