Town of Buchanan recently issued the following announcement.
2022 Buchanan Civil War History Weekend
Buchanan Civil War History Weekend
Friday, April 29, Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1, 2022
2022 APPLICATION Buchanan Civil War History Weekend.docx
Discover one of the lesser known sites of the Civil War, Buchanan, Virginia
Friday, April 29, Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1, 2022
During the Civil War, the Town of Buchanan served as an important Confederate supply depot for shipment of agricultural produce and pig iron to Richmond via the James River and Kanawha Canal. Buchanan Farmers provided the Confederate quartermaster with beef, cotton, yarn and corn. Buchanan also provided troops for the Confederate war effort, most notably for the Botetourt Artillery. The unit distinguished itself in the defense of Vicksburg. To the left is a photograph with Charles L. Wilson (the soldier with the chin strap) with his unit.
Federal General David Hunter marched through Buchanan on June 13, 1864 on his ill-fated raid in Lynchburg. The following day Confederate General J.D. Imboden reported that Hunter had driven Confederate troops under McCausland’s command out of Buchanan. Period letters tell how McCausland burned the covered bridge over the James River before leaving igniting a fire which destroyed close to thirty buildings.
Personal letters of the era also tell of the devastation to Buchanan caused by the war including the burning of Col. John Anderson’s home known as Mount Joy, the three day Federal occupation of Oak Hill, the Anchorage, the Presbyterian Manse as well as other private homes and offices throughout Town. The battle flag of the Botetourt Artillery was said to have been made from the wedding dress of Cassandra Anderson, owner of Mount Joy.
Activities – Explore Living History Camps, stroll period demonstrations, Heritage Craft Demonstrations, Buchanan History Displays, Skirmishes, Period Fashion, Camp Dance, Sunday Camp Church Services, Civil War History Films, Guest Speakers and more!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Additions will be made to the schedule, check back for the latest details as events are added.
Thursday, April 28, 2022
4:00pm – The Botetourt Artillery will be setting up their Event Camp Head Quarters at the intersection of Lowe Street and Boyd Street. A Registration Check In Station will be located under the Covered Pavilion on the Buchanan Town Park located at 485 Lowe Street. Suttlers and Re-enactors may begin check in at this time to receive their camp site locations.
Friday, April 29, 2022
10:00a.m. Open Registration at Picnic Pavilion on Town Park at 485 Lowe Street (Intersection of Lowe Street and Bedford Street)
10:00 a.m. The Botetourt Artillery Camp open for Living History Display.
Units will be arriving throughout the day
11:00 am School Field Trips may be scheduled for this time. To register call the Buchanan Town Hall at (540) 254-1212 x 4.
7:00 p.m. Artillery Demonstration on the Town Park
Note:Re-enactment Units will arrive throughout the day and evening hours. All participants must check in at the Registration Check In Booth located at the Picnic Pavilion on the Town Park. This site will be noted with signage.
Saturday, April 30, 2022
8:00 am – 10:00 am Breakfast at the historic Wilson Warehouse at 421 Lowe Street The Buchanan Town Improvement Society will be offering breakfast for $6. The breakfast is open to re-enactors as well as the public.
10:00am – OPENING CEREMONY – Join us at the large Flag Pole on the Buchanan Town Park for the official opening of the weekend’s activities.
10:00 a.m. Camps Open on Town Park
10:00am – 5:00pm – Interpretive Displays throughout Town. Learn about period clothing, lifestyles, food and more.
11:30 a.m. Main Street Skit
1:00p.m. Skit on Main Street
2:00pm Hunter’s Raid The Battle For Lynchburg in the Buchanan Theatre
4:00p.m. Battle of Buchanan on Town Park
6:00 pm Dinner by Reservation for re-enactors who preregistered and received their Meal Ticket
8:00p.m. Bonfire & Camp Dance on Town Park open to the public
Sunday, May 1, 2022
8:00 am – 10:00 am Breakfast at the historic Wilson Warehouse at 421 Lowe Street This breakfast is open to re-enactors as well as the public.
10:00 a.m. Church Service at Picnic Pavilion on Town Park open to the public
1:30p.m. Battle of Buchanan on Town Park
Camps close following Battle of Buchanan
Pet Policy – Visitors are requested to leave their pets at home during the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend. The crowded events create an environment that is not conducive to our four legged friends. The safety of both you and your pet is important to us and we ask that all visitors adhere to this policy. (Certified Service Dogs are allowed)
Dining – Buchanan has several restaurants to welcome you should you wish to explore the community and dine with them. Each offers a unique menu featuring a variety of foods and price levels. We encourage you and your family to explore the community while you are here.
Accommodations – Buchanan has several options for accommodations should you and your guests wish to stay. We encourage you and your family to explore the community while you are here.
A BREIF HISTORY OF HUNTER’S RAID
During the Civil War, the Town of Buchanan served as an important Confederate supply depot for shipment of agricultural produce and pig iron to Richmond via the James River and Kanawha Canal. Buchanan Farmers provided the Confederate quartermaster with beef, cotton, yarn and corn. Buchanan also provided troops for the Confederate war effort, most notably for the Botetourt Artillery. The unit distinguished itself in the defense of Vicksburg.
Federal General David Hunter marched through Buchanan on June 13, 1864 on his ill-fated raid in Lynchburg. The following day Confederate General J.D. Imboden reported that Hunter had driven Confederate troops under McCausland’s command out of Buchanan. Period letters tell how McCausland burned the covered bridge over the James River before leaving igniting a fire which destroyed close to thirty buildings.
Personal letters of the era also tell of the devastation to Buchanan caused by the war including the burning of Col. John Anderson’s home known as Mount Joy, the three day Federal occupation of Oak Hill, the Anchorage, the Presbyterian Manse as well as other private homes and offices throughout Town. The battle flag of the Botetourt Artillery was said to have been made from the wedding dress of Cassandra Anderson, owner of Mount Joy.
April 29 – May 1, 2022 – Explore Living History Camps, stroll period demonstrations, Heritage Craft Demonstrations, Buchanan History Displays, Camp Bon Fire, Sunday Camp Church Services, Civil War History Films, Guest Speakers and more!
Amenities Provided: Free camping for re-enactors in the historic district or along the banks of the James River. Free water and firewood! Saturday evening meal for those who register by Friday, April 1, 2022
BOUNTIES – There will be TWO bounties offered. Each bounty is in the amount of $200. The Bounties will be awarded to the first Federal and first Confederate units who register a Full Scale
Field Cannon with 57” wheels. The Botetourt Artillery will pass the hat at the battle asking spectators to make donations before each battle to help with bounties for additional cannons. Amounts of additional bounties will be no more than $150 and will go to units in the order that they register. Please note, there is no guarantee of additional bounties.
FEES: A flat fee of $15.00 will be charged for each individual, and a$25 Fee for each Period Vendor orSutler who pre-registers by Friday, April 1, 2022. Applications must be received in the Town Hall by this date, this does not include post mark. Children under12 $5.00 registration fee. A $50 fee will be charged to each vendor or settler who register after that date. Reenactors who register after Friday, April 1, 2022 willnot beguaranteed a Saturday evening meal. Make checks payable to: Town of Buchanan. ALL FEES ARENONREFUNDABLE.
Original source can be found here.
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