9/8/2011
SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. – The reenactment of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry is scheduled for Sept. 10 and 11. The reenactment of the battle itself is on Sunday. Encampments are staged on Saturday with various camp activities, drills and visitor troop interaction planned. A debate between Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee is planned for Saturday at 6 p.m. The book “September Blood –The Battle at Carnifex Ferry” has been reprinted, and the publisher and the author, Terry Lowery, will be at the Patterson House Museum for book signing and conversation on Saturday and Sunday.
A debate – A conversation about history
Robert E. Lee was born Jan. 19, 1807 at the Lee family home of Stratford Hall, Westmoreland County, Va. Following the completion of his basic education, he entered the U. S. Military Academy at West Point where he graduated second in the class of 1829 with no demerits. Al Stone portrays Lee. In his lengthy list of appearances, Stone appeared as General Lee in the documentary "April 1865" for the History Channel. Stone has been described by Civil War re-enactors and historians alike as presenting the "most accurate impression of General Lee in the union today."
Ulysses S. Grant was actually named Hiram Ulysses Grant. Born in 1822, Grant was the son of an Ohio tanner. He went to West Point and graduated in the middle of his class. Barry Meadows portrays Grant. Meadows born in Beckley and resides in Charleston. A middle school science teacher, Meadows attends and performs at re-enactment events across West Virginia and the eastern United States.
Both Stone and Meadows wear authentic uniforms.
“They are both exceptional in presentation and character,” said Sam Cowell, park superintendent. “The opportunity to have Stone and Meadows be part of our event is great. It presents more history about the Civil War beyond what happened at Carnifex Ferry. Both men were an integral part of the history of the Civil War.” Grant had taken Paducah, Ky., unopposed on Sept. 6, 1861. Lee was stationed in Richmond, Va.
A debate between Generals Grant and Lee will be staged at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park on Sept. 10, 2011 at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Patterson House museum. This event is open to the public, and there is no admission or entrance fee.
“September Blood”
The book “September Blood – the Battle at Carnifex Ferry” is available again. Out of print for almost 25 years, Quarrier Press has reprinted a small number of this well-researched book. Both Lowery and the publisher will be at the Patterson House museum during the Saturday and Sunday activities, Sept. 10 and 11. Terry Lowry is a 1967 graduate of South Charleston High School. He graduated in 1974 with a B. A. in History from West Virginia State College (now University) and studied Civil War History at Marshall University Graduate School. He is the author of several books including “Last Sleep: The Battle of Droop Mountain November 6, 1863”. Copies will be available for purchase on-site and also available online at the West Virginia Book Company.
Carnifex Ferry Re-enactment Weekend schedule
Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011
9 a.m. Camps open to the public. Living history activities continue through the day.
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Museum open
10 a.m. Military drill demonstrations
Noon Walking tour of the camps
1 p.m. Weapons demonstration
2 p.m. Walking tour of the camps
3 p.m. Walking tour of the camps
6 p.m. Debate – Character portrayals between Gen. Robert E. Lee and
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at the museum
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011
9 a.m. Camps open to the public. Living history activities begin and
continue until 4 p.m.
10 a.m. Military drill demonstrations
11 a.m. Weapons demonstration. Walking tour of the camps every half hour
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
11:30 a.m. Outdoor church service by the re-enactors – open to visitors
10 – 5 p.m. Museum open
Noon Weapons demonstration
1 p.m. Soldiers form up for battle
1:45 p.m. Camps cleared for battle; public to move behind spectator lines
2 p.m. Re-enactment of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry
All activities are located at or near the museum. Walking tours of the camp will begin at the museum. Visiting and interacting with the various troops at their encampments is encouraged as a way to learn about United States and West Virginia history and lifestyles of the 1860s.
The organizers request attendees and re-enactors to act responsibly, in a safe manner, and to not litter the grounds.
This event involves gunpowder, firearms, loud noise and potentially dangerous activities. Attendees should exercise caution and stay behind the marked spectator lines during the battle. Alcohol is prohibited at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. The park roads close to all traffic during the battle reenactment.
There is no charge to attend the event activities or re-enactment of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry or for shuttle services on Sunday.
Maps indicating parking areas are provided online. A schedule of activities and information flier is posted at
www.carnifexferrybattlefieldstatepark.com.
Contact Information
Sam Cowell, Park Superintendent, Carnifex Ferry Battle State Park
carnifexferrysp@wv.gov