By: Jessica Black
Serving with the Beverly Heritage Center
In early July of 1861, a battle pursued along the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike on Rich Mountain. The Union Army made a treacherous march in complete silence and pouring rain to attack the Confederates from the rear. This battle was decisive for the first campaign and the Union Army. The Union forces defeated almost 1,300 Confederates. General George B. McClellan, of the Army of the Ohio, was perceived as the battlefield hero. This recognition helped McClellan get promoted to the overall commander of the United States Army. The first campaign was also influential in the path that led to the statehood of West Virginia.
To honor and celebrate the 160th anniversary of McClellan's Union victory, the Beverly Heritage Center and the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation is planning the first ever Rich Mountain Memorial March and Fun Run! On July 10th from 10 am to 5 pm, this celebration will combine the history of the battle and a fun run into one event! Our event will be a five mile walk from the top of Rich Mountain into the town of Beverly.
On top of Rich Mountain we have planned to have living history and other interpretation stations on the battlefield. On the mountain, there will be a tour of the battlefield, a discussion about why the Battle of Rich Mountain is significant to our history, reenactors wandering the battlegrounds, and an abolitionist preacher!
In Beverly, there will be other opportunities to see living history demonstrations, grab a bite to eat, and taste some civil war coffee! There will also be children’s activities in the town square where kids can play yard games and win prizes. A featured activity for all ages, which we call Fishing for Chickens, will highlight a local account from Stonewall Jackson’s Nephew after the Battle of Rich Mountain.
The Beverly Heritage Center will have free admission during the day as well. Our finale will be a fife and drum marching the victorious Union troops into Beverly just like they did 160 years ago.
If you are interested in walking, running, or marching at our event, go to https://www.raceentry.com/rich-mountain-memorial-march-and-fun-run/race-information! On this page you will find a donation button, a sign-up button, and some of the basic information about the march. All donations will be going to the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation!
