Recreating History

The 12th Annual War Between the States Battle Reenactment will be held on Aug. 15-16 in Saltville, Va.

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Published: August 09, 2009

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Saltville Battles To Be ‘Fought’ On Aug. 15-16

SALTVILLE, Va. – This year is the 145th anniversary of the two War Between the States battles fought in Saltville, Va., on Oct. 2 and Dec. 22, 1864.
To commemorate the battles, the 12th Annual War Between the States Battle Reenactment will be held on Lake Drive (the Well Fields) on Aug. 15-16.
Reenactors come from several states to set up camp and relive the events of October and December 1864. The Confederates defeated the Union Army during the battle in October, but the Union Army was victorious in December 1864.
During the event, reenactors will reinvent the campsites as they would have been in 1864. They will sleep in small white tents and cook over an open fire, and their clothes will be reminiscent of the colonial period.
The public is also invited to browse in the sutler (vendor) camps.
There will be a blacksmith, and one tent will be stocked with books about the War Between the States, World War I, World War II and even the battles between the Hatfields and McCoys.
Tents will also feature period merchandise – ball gowns, hoop skirts, etc. Come see what was worn and used during that period of time.
The camp opens at 10 a.m. each day, and the battles of Saltville are fought at 2 p.m. each day. Sunday morning services will be held in camp.
Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 6 are admitted free. Bring chairs and umbrellas (good for rain or shine).
For more information about the event, call Charlie Totten at (276) 496-5342 Ext. 33 or e-mail tourism@saltville.org. You can also call Terry Hunt at (276) 496-5988 or e-mail terryhunt05@comcast.net.

SALTVILLE REENACTMENT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
AUG. 15
10 a.m.: Camp opens and officers’ call
10:30 a.m.: Tour of W.A. Stuart House
11 a.m.: Hog calling contest
11:30 a.m.: Egg toss
Noon: Meet the generals
1 p.m.: Skit at the Sutlers Row
1:30 p.m.: Troops prepare for battle
2 p.m.: 145th Anniversary Battle for Saltville, pass and review after battle
3:30 p.m.: Tour of W.A. Stuart House
4 p.m.: Camp closes
5 p.m.: Reenactor meal at the Coon Club Building
7 p.m.: Gates reopen to the public, must have day’s pass or pay at the gate
8 p.m.: Period ball featuring the Butterworth Brigade
9 p.m.: Artillery night fire and skirmish
10 p.m.: Camp closes
11 p.m.: Lights out
Midnight: All quiet

AUG. 16
10 a.m.: Camp opens and officers’ call
10:15 a.m.: Church service at the big tree beside the Sutlers Row
11 a.m.: Tour of W.A. Stuart House
Noon: Meet the generals
1 p.m.: Skit at the Sutlers Row
1:30 p.m.: Troops prepare for battle
2 p.m.: 145th Anniversary Battle for Saltville, pass and review
3:30 p.m.: Tour of W.A. Stuart House
4 p.m.: Camp closes

OTHER EVENTS
Salt will be made at the artillery camp at Sutler’s Row.
Feel free to browse through the Sutlers Row.
Visit the camps. Reenactors love to answer questions.
For guided tours of the W.A. Stuart House, please meet at the reenactor registration entrance at the appointed times.