The Frontier's War
About this Event
Historical Background:
It is late 1776, and the District of West Augusta is undergoing changes. Independence has been declared The war has intensified in the east with the New York campaign, and to the south a campaign is underway against the Cherokees. Limited raids have occurred in northwest Virginia. Virginia’s government is creating new counties out of the District – Monongalia, Yohogania, and Ohio Counties. Militia companies are slated to be reorganized as a result. The Committees of Safety urge militia officers to strain every nerve to achieve a state of preparedness.
As the war grows more serious so, too, does Virginia’s contribution to the Continental effort. Many western men have marched to the aid of their countrymen, including soldiers of the 8th Virginia regiment. In September 1776, Congress called upon Virginia to raise six additional battalions of infantry, and it is expected that the Assembly will soon offer instructions to the new counties of West Augusta in recruiting their portion thereof. Will you be numbered among the troops ready to defend liberty?
Programming-wise, we will be conducting intensified training to reflect the growing seriousness of the war coming to the frontier. Those training efforts will focus primarily on maneuvering in formations the first day, and in maneuvering and firing the second day. In between, we’ll of course be answering the public’s questions, maintaining equipment, preparing rations, and the like.
We will have guests from the 8th Virginia attending so that we may train together in preparation for our amalgamation into a detachment for White Plains.
Impression:
- Refer to Unit Handbook for West Augusta militia and women’s guidelines.
- Little to no Native items allowed. If members have a Euroamerican alternative to a kit item, they should defer to that
- No facial hair
- Firelock specific – Civilian guns highly encouraged
- Flashguards and hammer stall required (BAR standards)
- 20 cartridges
- 2 spare flints and turnscrew in shooting bag or cartridge box
- whisk and pick
- Maintenance kit (period cleaning kit preferred with tow worm, tow, and oil.)
Logistics:
The registration deadline is September 19. There are no exceptions. Your $20 will cover your food for the weekend.
Lodging: During the second or third week of September, we’ll assign folks cabins and buildings. There should be enough space for everyone, but your own shelter would be a good backup. Family groups will take the first dibs on cabins. No loose straw is permitted, but you may pack in and pack out the same in a tick. Those staying in cabins are to take note of the arrangement of the fort’s interpretive items so they can leave it as they found it when they depart.
Site address is 88 State Park Road, Fairmont, WV 26554. Its public hours end at 1630 on Friday, after which you can drop your stuff off by the fort gate. Thereafter, park your vehicle down at the lot by the river. Two modern bathroom facilities are on site.
Food: We’ll be assigning everyone to mess groups the second or third week of September, and it’ll be up to your group to prepare food. There will include a mix of items to cook and things you can eat quickly.
Mess and billeting assignments will be emailed to you shortly after the registration deadline.
Schedule:
FRIDAY
Arrival, establishment of billets, parking by the river, Mess group representative to obtain rations
SATURDAY
0700-0830 – Breakfast
0900 ~ 0930 – Safety Inspection mandatory for all arms on site.
1000 – 1200 – Roll call, muster, 1764 Manual of Arms, basic marching maneuvers
1200-1300 – Lunch
1300 – 1530 – Advanced marching maneuvers
1600-1630 Public hours end
(Breaks will be ample during training times)
SUNDAY
1030 – Unit meeting
1200 – 1400 Drill, maneuver, and firing demonstrations.
Questions:
If you’ve got questions, please reach out to David Ervin at (304) 685-1858 or Bill Schneider at (716) 499 9716.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 20.00
