Civil War Weekend offers something for everyone

On Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, parts of Pearisburg will be transformed into scenes from the most momentous period in the nation’s history.   The Giles County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee is hosting a series of events to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Battle of Giles Court House.  Visitors will have an opportunity to observe and interact with soldiers from both sides in camp, in training, and in action.  They can view a re-creation of a Civil War hospital, be entertained by a snake oil salesman, join in a traditional Appalachian dance, and feast on Southern barbeque.  Finally, the will have the opportunity to observe a re-enactment of the Battle of Giles Court House, which took place on a beautiful Spring day in 1862.

Thursday, June 7 – “Skirmish at Pearisburg,” a talk by Al McLean

Author George A. McLean Jr. sets the stage with a discussion of the battle, subject of his recently published book “Skirmish at Pearisburg.”  7 pm, Pearisburg Town Hall.

Saturday, June 9  -  Memorial ceremony, parade, hospital, dance, dinner

At 11:00 am the day starts at the Giles County Courthouse, where Union and Confederate soldiers will gather for a memorial ceremony to honor the fallen of both sides.  Following an honor guard salute and a rendition of “Taps” (first played at a military funeral in 1862, and soon adopted by both sides in the Civil War) the reenactors and their ladies will march down Main Street to the Giles County Historical Society.

In the afternoon, from 1:00 to 5:00, the Confederate camp will offer Living History demonstrations for the public, and from 3:00 to 5:00 field artillery demonstrations will take place on the battlefield reenactment site.  The site is located on Rt. 100 beyond Bluff City near the PSA office.  Public parking will be available in the large field across from the concrete plant (see map). 

The evening festivities begin at 6:00 at the Giles County Historical Society, 208 North Main Street.  Enjoy a BBQ dinner catered by the Old Virginia Smokehouse, skits, demonstrations, exhibits, and Living History at the Yankee encampment on the grounds of the Andrew Johnston House.  The Giles County Historical Museum will be open, featuring two exhibits: “The Civil War in Giles County” and “On the Eve of War:  Artists’ Views of Giles County in the Mid-19^th Century.”

At 7:00 visitors will be taught the basics of traditional southern Appalachian dance, and from 7:30 to 8:30 all are invited to dance to the music of “Sugar Run,” featuring many tunes from the Civil War era.  Activities will cease at 9:00 to allow the Federal soldiers time to rest on the eve of battle.

That same evening from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Giles County Courthouse, visitors will be able to view a recreation of a Civil War hospital.  The Courthouse served as an actual military hospital throughout the war, and on Saturday night the ground floor will be furnished with cots, oil lamps, straw-covered floors, wounded soldiers, busy nurses and a military surgeon.   Civil War medical reenactors will be on hand to demonstrate the treatments available at the time.

All activities on Saturday are free of charge except the BBQ dinner.  Parking in town will be available in municipal lots, the Magic Mart lot, and on the streets.  Check www.gilescivilwarreenactment.com for more details, for a history of the Battle of Giles Court House, and also for specials offered by local inns and restaurants.

Sunday, June 10  -  “The Battle of Giles Court House”

At 10:00 in the morning the Union and Confederate camps are again open to the public, and will close at noon to prepare for the skirmish.  At 1:00 pm the battle commences!  Confederates and Federals will skirmish, canons will roar, and the wounded will be treated at a field hospital.  Duration will be approximately 40 minutes.  Bring your lawn chairs and plenty of drinks.

There is a modest fee for spectators.  Public parking will be available on the large field across from the cement plant.  Access to the parking will be via the old Wade’s parking lot, then under the 460 overpass.  Follow the signs to the parking area.  A limited amount of handicapped parking will be offered closer to the reenactment site; properly designated vehicles will be directed to that area by parking attendants. 

Call the Giles County Historical Society (540-921-1050) or visit www.gilescivilwarreenactment.com for more information.

Reenactors of the 83rd PA Infantry, the First Stuart Horse Artillery, and the 60th VVA Infantry (among others) will be clashing on the battlefield during Giles County's Civil War Weekend, June 9 and 10.