Roanoke Sun

2023 Civil War History Weekend

Discover one of the lesser known sites of the Civil War, Buchanan, Virginia. Take part in, or, just visit during Buchanan's Civil War History Weekend scheduled for Friday, April 28, Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30, 2023

2023 Buchanan Civil War History Weekend APPLICATION.docx

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 27, 2023

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 at the Botetourt Artillery Camp on Thursday evening, then, on Friday, the Registration Camp will set up 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 28, 2023

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 29, 2023

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 $7. 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.

11:00 a.m. Officers Meeting at the Large Picnic Pavilion on the Town Park for ALL Officers.

Skits & Main Street Skirmishes will be posted at a later date closer to the event.

2:00pm Hunter’s Raid The Battle For Lynchburg in the Buchanan Theatre

4:00p.m. Battle of Buchanan on Town Park – Following the Battle, visitors are welcome to a Meet and Greet of Soldiers on the Battlefield, a perfect time for photos.

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, April 30, 2023

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 event participants as well as 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.

Original source can be found here