Skirmish At Pearisburg

Do you want to learn what the upcoming Civil War Weekend is all about?  On Thursday evening, June 7, at 7 pm, the Historical Society will present an illustrated lecture and book signing by George A. McLean Jr. at the Pearisburg Town Hall, 112 Tazewell Street.  McLean will discuss his newly-published book, Skirmish at Pearisburg, the first in-depth study of the Union invasion of Giles County in 1862.

Al McLean is a native of Giles County, where his father operated a pharmacy for many years.   After graduating from Pearisburg High School, he attended Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Richmond School of Law.  He has practiced law in Roanoke since 1974.  

McLean, whose ancestors fought on both sides of the Civil War, has had a life-long interest in the subject.  Skirmish at Pearisburg is the result of many years of research, and places the action at Giles Court House (as Pearisburg was often called in the 19^th century) in the context of the greater conflict.

“The skirmish was significant for several reasons,” says McLean.  “It saved the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, and it can be argued that the Confederate success prevented Giles County from becoming part of West Virginia. “

It was also a testing-ground for the Federal commander, Lt. Col. Rutherford B. Hayes.  A young officer with little military training, Hayes’ actions established a reputation for audacity and courage. 

“It had to be a defining moment for future President Rutherford B. Hayes,” declares McLean.  “He was in a tight spot. To a man his men praised him for his calm leadership that allowed them to successfully retreat from a far superior force.”

Hayes’ regiment, the 23^rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, produced an impressive number of future leaders in the post-war era, including two Presidents (Hayes and William McKinley), six generals, a U.S. Supreme Court justice, a U.S. senator, four congressmen, four governors, and four lieutenant governors.

McLean’s lecture will also illuminate some of the lesser-known stories of the invasion, including a curious incident involving Col. George S. Patton (grandfather of the famed WWII commander), as well as the exploits of Ellen Adair, whom McLean dubs “the Scarlett O’Hara of Giles County.”

The program is free and open to the public.  Call 540-921-1050 or visit www.gilescountyhistorical for more information.

The Giles County Historical Society Receives Grant from the Community Foundation of the New River Valley

  The Community Foundation of the New River Valley has chosen the Giles County Historical Society as one of its 2012 spring grant recipients.  The proposal entitled “Putting Power to Our Point” received $400 for a digital projector for its new lecture series.  The Community Foundation funds a variety of projects across the New River Valley believing that modest grants, like the one received by the Historical Society, can have tremendous impact on local communities.  This spring the foundation awarded over $26,000 to local non-profits.

In 2011, the Historical Society hosted two lectures:  “The Mystery at Mountain Lake” by Detective Mark Skidmore of the Giles County Sheriff’s Office (September), and “Lost Communities of Virginia” by local author Terri Fisher (November).  Both presentations were well attended.  Based on these number and the positive comments received about the two lectures, the Historical Society decided to offer a lecture series as part of 2012 calendar of events.  Among the goals of the lecture series are to promote the cultural and historical heritage of Giles County and the New River Valley, to showcase local authors and historians, particularly those beginning their careers, to provide an avenue for the public to learn more about Giles County beyond simply viewing artifacts, and to create dialogue about the culture and history of Giles County and the New River Valley and how the influences have impacted the community.

The Historical Society’s next lecture will be Thursday, June 7^th, at 7:00pm at the Pearisburg Town Hall.  To kick off the Civil War Weekend, Giles County native and Roanoke attorney George A. McLean Jr. will be discussing his new book The Skirmish at Pearisburg, the first comprehensive history of the Union invasion of Giles County in 1862.

On June 23^rd, the Historical Society presents “The Negro Spiritual: History and Performance” at 3:00 at the First Baptist Church of Virginia Heights in Pearisburg.  A talk by Virginia Tech professor Dr. Paula Marie Seniors on the origins of the spiritual and its role in African-American culture will be followed by a performance by the “Spirits of Joy.”   For further information on the lecture series visit www.gilescountyhistorical.org.

The Giles County Historical Society works to preserve, interpret and exhibit Giles County’s rich historical and cultural heritage.  It provides a repository for Giles County family histories, documents and artifacts, assists genealogical researchers, and supports the preservation of endangered Giles County artifacts, sites and records.  The Giles County Historical Society, Museum and Gift Shop (921-1050) are open Wed-Fri from 12-5 PM and Sat-Sun from 2-5 PM.  Admission is free.  The Research Office is open on Thursday from 12–5 PM.

  In one of the Historical Society's lecture series, Giles County Sheriff's Investigator Mark Skidmore describes the investigation into the body found at the bottom of Mountain Lake in 2008. The Historical Society received a grant from the Community Foundation of the New River Valley to purchase a powerpoint projector so that lectures can now be hosted at the Museum.

Traditional American Dance Workshop

Don’t let the Giles County Civil War Weekend sneak up on you without attending a

Traditional American Dance Workshop

Saturday, May 19

3 – 5 pm

Pearisburg Community Center gym

taught by “Wild Bill” Anderson

sponsored by the Giles County Historical Society

In two hours you will master the Virginia Reel, the Texas Star, Appalachian circle dance, and other favorites of the 19^th century.  The class is for beginners and those who want a brush-up to prepare for the Traditional Dance on Saturday evening, June 9, at 7 pm at the Historical Society.  No partner is necessary – just bring gym shoes or sneakers, a towel and water!  Cost: $5.00.  Call 540-921-1050 to register!

For more information visit: www.gilescountyhistorical.org and www.gilescivilwarreenactment.com