Battle Of McDowell May 4-6, 2007 Highland County, VA

[BobDenton37thVA]

Pridgeon's Shenandoah Legion, Highland Historical Society & Highland Chamber of Commerce cordially invite you to participate in the 145th Anniversary Commemorative Living History & Reenactment at McDowell, Virginia. The event web site is hosted at http://www.BattleofMcDowell.org (the website will be updated by November 1, 2006). All proceeds go to the Highland Historical Society's preservation efforts and local civic organizations.

The event is scheduled for May 4-6, 2007; with the principal activities taking place beginning Saturday morning, and culminating Sunday morning before noon. First-person is strongly encouraged (not mandatory); however we request all participants to refrain from modern conversational references as much as possible throughout the event.

The event is invitation only, and we will be representing both CS and US forces who are engaged in active campaign. Details regarding authenticity and safety requirements will be available on the event website. Units, messes, and/or individuals who have not attended previously must be willing to undergo a pre-registration screening (references are strongly recommended as well). Reenactor attendance is limited to 1,000.

Those wishing to register early for the event may do so by accessing the following link:

http://www.battleofmcdowell.org/reenactors/registration/registrationform.htm

Those who have attended the McDowell event in past years know the charm of the place. For those who have not, the village is seated within the eastern portion of the Allegheny Mountains, at an elevation of 2,100' above sea level. McDowell lies at the crossing of the Bullpasture River by the historic Staunton-Parkersburg Pike (now US 250) within the scenic Bullpasture River Gorge, an acclaimed trout fishing area.

At the event both CS and US forces will be camped on and around Sitlington's Hill, the site of the original battle, which is a western spur of the 3,000' Bullpasture Mountain looming above. Peaks visible all around the village range from 3,000 to 4,000'.

The original Presbyterian Church that witnessed the battle still stands at the south end of town. Signatures of Union soldiers can be seen scratched into the bricks on the church's front wall. In addition, a cannonball is lodged in the right wall of the church, reportedly a misfired round from the Union guns that were placed on the hill just behind the church.

Thank you for your consideration if you are interested in attending, and your past support for this event if you are returning.

Your servant, et c.,
Bob Denton
Reenactor Coordinator-McDowell 2007 Event Committee

[dusty27]

Re: Battle Of McDowell May 4-6, 2007 Highland County, VA

I have reinstated this announcement in this folder. It is the folder that seems appropriate for the invited guests based on Matt's definitions.

It is for the discussion of the event by THOSE WHO PLAN TO ATTEND from our community. If you ain't going, you have your reasons. They don't need to be shared here.

If you are going, you now have a place to dessiminate information. As with any event listed here, we prefer information coming from the event organizers only. They must post themselves. No secondhand information will be allowed. I'm going by the organizer's list on the website.

I will personally watch this thread and all others concerning McDowell carefully...............

[Wild Rover]

Re: Battle Of McDowell May 4-6, 2007 Highland County, VA

It is great to see the evnt back up on the AC, and must say the mainstream has come a long way if it meets the level of McDowell.

Anyhow, we are working hard on the event and putting all the right folks in the right slots, and am looking forward to working with Dave, Bill, Bob, Scot and the other leaders here in the East.

Anyone looking for a home for the event, if you do blue, can drop me a line at ltcolcsa@hotmail.com

This will be the event this spring, so don't miss out! Those who have been to past events can vouch for that.

Thanks again to the moderators for reposting this thread.

Pards,

Chris, this is EXACTLY the type of "rah, rah" post that we are asking people NOT to make. Like we have asked, bashing the event shouldn't happen nor should this type of "hype" happen on this thread or any other. Tell the folks what the event is about (Bob has done that) and let folks choose for themselves. The thread was placed here based on Matt's definitions. Don't question them again (It is great to see the event back up on the AC, and must say the mainstream has come a long way if it meets the level of McDowell), or we WILL remove it. - Mike Chapman

[marine05]

Re: Battle Of McDowell May 4-6, 2007 Highland County, VA

It is great to see the evnt back up on the AC, and must say the mainstream has come a long way if it meets the level of McDowell.

Anyhow, we are working hard on the event and putting all the right folks in the right slots, and am looking forward to working with Dave, Bill, Bob, Scot and the other leaders here in the East.

Anyone looking for a home for the event, if you do blue, can drop me a line at ltcolcsa@hotmail.com

This will be the event this spring, so don't miss out! Those who have been to past events can vouch for that.

Thanks again to the moderators for reposting this thread.

Pards,

Chris,

Randy should be contacting you regarding Artillery for the event.

/R

Dan

[Wild Rover]

Re: Battle Of McDowell May 4-6, 2007 Highland County, VA

Dan,

Sounds good, always glad to work with you guys!

Pards,

[BobDenton37thVA]

Re: Battle Of McDowell May 4-6, 2007 Highland County, VA

I have reinstated this announcement in this folder. It is the folder that seems appropriate for the invited guests based on Matt's definitions.

It is for the discussion of the event by THOSE WHO PLAN TO ATTEND from our community. If you ain't going, you have your reasons. They don't need to be shared here.


I will personally watch this thread and all others concerning McDowell carefully...............

Thanks Dusty.

I personally don't care what "category" McDowell falls under, as long as those who need the info this forum can provide regarding the event can get it. IMHO that's the power of the web. All else is so much 'jaw-jackin', to use some good old period jargon.

Categories are an artificial construct anyways. They are a convenient way of transmitting information, but are useful only when we all agree on what we are talking about. Thus, the definition of what comprises a "mainstream" event here may be very different from what comprises one elsewhere or to other people.

On the event's website http://www.battleofmcdowell.org I have tried to be truthful about the event's goals and objectives, and have updated all the guidelines and regs as per the instruction and edits sent to me by the US, CS and Civilian coordinators. If those objectives and/or standards do not dovetail easily into the "semi-immersion", or any other category, so be it. As long as the event info gets disseminated and folks with reasonabe questions can get what they need to know answered in a timely manner, then the AC forum is serving an important service for which I, and the event committee, are personally grateful.

Regards,
Bob Denton

[BobDenton37thVA]

McDowell Registration Will Close 4/20/07

Folks,

All those interested in attending the 2007 McDowell Event should be aware that registration will close on April 20, 2007. Although we will accept registrations from members of invited units after this time; we will not be able to guarantee rations issue to anyone who has not registered by the cut-off.

Thanks,
Bob Denton
2007 McDowell Event
Reenactor Coordinator

[Duke20thSC]

Re: McDowell Registration Will Close 4/20/07

This is a fine event and worthy of support. It has always served good purposes by raising money to fund restoration of historic buildings, purchase of battlefield properties and educational programs associated with Jackson't 1862 Valley Campaign. There have been tremendous research efforts in the past providing participants with information for the event and their impressions. It truly stands as an ideal example of a longterm commitment of the authentic community to a project. As such, it has earned a place on the calendar.

[DougCooper]

Re: Battle Of McDowell May 4-6, 2007 Highland County, VA

This event...and the extraordinary effort the town and the county have put in over the years (first event was 1997) have yielded a real success story. CWPT's latest campaign is to save the remainder of the battlefield. It ain't just a couple of corners or one section - its pretty much all of it that will never hear the sound of bulldozers. Without Bob Denton and the long list of folks who have made this happen for so many years, I think it is safe to say McDowell would remain obscure...not saved and eventually ruined. Bob started trying to save this battlefield long before many of us could spell CWPT.

It won't take too many more years before the growth begins to invade this beautiful little corner of Virginia...but they won't be able to touch McDowell if we can raise the final amount to keep it beautiful forever.

Can't beat that - and the Living History Community was indeed the prime mover in this one.

Well done Bob.

If you can't make it to the event, or even if you can, get on over to CWPT and plunk down some change to help secure the final piece. www.civilwar.org

[Duke20thSC]

Re: Battle Of McDowell May 4-6, 2007 Highland County, VA

Thanks, Doug.

For those of you who don't know Doug, he is too humble an individual to acknowledge his role in helping to make this event the preservation money maker that it is and the keystone event of alternative events here in the East that it has become. Doug was the Federal commander in 1999 when there were a mere 88 Federals facing a horde of probably 300+ Confederates. The groundwork was laid for future efforts for the authentic reenactor which included:
1- Strong civilian presence;
2- Federal occupation of the town per the historical record;
3- Quality material culture standards for Federals and civilians;
4- Scenarios matching the diary accounts;
5- Close working relationship with the county historical society.

It was for these reason that, as the Federal commander in 2001 & 2003, I recruited Doug's participation, which did take place in 2003. He shared our vision for the event and did his utmost to carry it to completion.

It's a good event. If you can attend, you need to do so. If you miss it, you'll regret it.

[BobDenton37thVA]

McDowell Event - A Brief History (of the event)

The idea to hold what is now known as the "McDowell Reenactment and Living History" was born in the Town of McDowell in May 1996, when Travis Haymaker, Randal Haymaker, and I decided to visit the little town in Highland County to see “what was going on” and privately commemorate our ancestors’ participation in the much-neglected and poorly known battle. Being familiar with the area (I first visited Highland when I was only 16 years old, and have been in love with the region ever since), I couldn’t wait to get there. We bedded down on Friday night, without tents, at the base of Sitlington’s Hill, only to be rudely awakened the next morning by a crashing thunderstorm. Soaked and still sleep-eyed, Reverend Les Leprade of the McDowell Presbyterian Church took us into his home and gave us a “little something to eat…” (a full breakfast!)

In fact, a tiny event was being held at the church that weekend; mostly staffed by local reenactors and townsfolks. We volunteered to give a public lecture, and then the conversations began with the Highland Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce that would eventually lead to the McDowell event that we know today.

The first “official” McDowell was held in 1997, and was originally conceived of as a “Confederate & Period Civilian Only” living history. The Chamber asked us if we could get “some Federals to shoot at”, and the event suddenly morphed into a reenactment! It was literally our way of sharing Highland County with our friends, that (and not preservation, per se) was seen as the principle goal, at least initially.

At the time, our battalion (known then as the “5th Battalion”) was one of the only groups to have an official period civilian unit, the Atlantic Guard Soldiers Aid Society (AGSAS), and the McDowell event would provide a perfect venue for this growing portion of the hobby. We also provided an opportunity for period-dressed local youngsters to bedevil the soldiers, particularly the Federals, hence the “town boy” impression was born.

Conceived from the beginning as a “history heavy” event, the working parameters for McDowell were not born in a vacuum. We purposely modeled it after ones that we had attended over the years that were successful, had unique and innovative aspects, and reasonably strict rules. We borrowed (with permission), the rules and regulations from Susan and Nicky Hughes’ wonderful Shaker Village event; the idea of “moving” battles, and alternating spectator and non-spectator battles in one event was taken from the early and well executed Neshaminy State Park events (the brainchild of a nearly forgotten reenactment scenario innovator, Scott Shablin); any and all reenactments and living histories that had good ideas involved in them were used as models.

McDowell soon gained a reputation for extremely strict rules, which dissuaded many from attending. However, it also began to be seen as a sort of "grail quest" for many eastern reenactors. The ability to say, “I was at McDowell…” took on almost mystical quality, like a pilgrimage of sorts, much to our wonder & amusement. Of course, as the event grew in reputation, so did its detractors; but the magical quality of Highland County, the site, and the warm and welcoming folks of the region continued to sustain the event.

The 1999 event saw the beginning of a concerted preservation emphasis, which, unfortunately, raised the ire of a few outspoken locals individuals opposed to this effort. The local opposition to the event has finally run its course and sputtered out; thankfully, the great majority of the folks there enjoy the reenactment, and look forward to its occurrence “on the first full weekend in May of the odd numbered years”. The concept of the town being occupied by the Federal troops and harried civilians was solidified in ’99, and used as a modus operandi through 2003. (Ironically, there were only two families in McDowell during the original occupation, the majority of citizens being hidden in the Davis Run Valley).

A different approach was taken in 2005 (i.e. CS in town, US out of town, two separate but equal groups of civilians, and a distinct emphasis on 3rd person interpretation combined with 1st person). Some things worked well, some didn’t. We will be returning to the original, and more accurate scenario in 2007 (i.e. Federals and two families of harried civilians in town on Saturday).

Its notable that in 2000, the McDowell Reenactment was accorded the unique privilege of being designated a Library of Congress “Local Heritage Festival” event, the first CW reenactment ever honored as such. The event committee continues to work in concert with various preservation groups, including the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation, the Lee-Jackson Foundation, and others. We will be forever grateful for the participation of the C/P/H community in making all the McDowells from the first event to today such resounding successes!

Bob Denton
Reenactor Coordinator
McDowell 2007 Event Committee

[CJDaley]

Re: McDowell Event - A Brief History (of the event)

As we approach the 10 year anniversary of the first McDowell event, I think it's important to re-read Bob's last paragraph about what this event has meant to battlefield preservation:

In 2000, the McDowell Reenactment was accorded the unique privilege of being designated a Library of Congress “Local Heritage Festival” event, the first CW reenactment ever honored as such. The event committee continues to work in concert with various preservation groups, including the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation, the Lee-Jackson Foundation, and others.

[Wild Rover]

McDowell

Gents,

Seen some AAR's, interested in seeing what folks on the AC think. IMHO it was the best Mcdowell yet.

Pards,

[hendrickms24]

Re: McDowell

Chris,

This McDowell was my third one and each having been enjoying and a different experience for me. Each McDowell event I had a different job to do either as a Corporal, Orderly sergeant and this past event as an Aid de Camp to Gen. Milroy. This year’s event has been the best one for allowing the spectators the ability to interact better with the reenactors then the past two events. Through out the day we had a flow of people coming through the Brigade Headquarters and they asked numerous questions. The spectators were also able to see some interaction between the period citizens and the Federal chain of command and seemed to enjoy it. The camp guard was busy through the day dealing with the civilians and I felt sorry for the corporal and sergeant of the Guard who never seemed to get a break. As for my job, I helped with the duties at the HQ, which seemed to go from complete boredom to a flurry of activity in a heartbeat. Sometime in the morning the AAAG Josh Mordin, the Provost Lt. Hill, and myself went around, inspected the battalion camps, and reported the deficiencies to each company commander. The biggest issue I saw was the same old tarnished brass on the soldiers but in all most of the camps where in good order.

I will not go into the Saturday battle but I can understand why ADC where mounted during the actual Civil War. Running back in forth between the battalions was a little tiring. :tounge_sm The Sunday really did come out nicely and the battalion and company officers did a good job moving the troops were they needed to be when asked to do so by Mr. Watson.

later,

[lhsnj]

Re: McDowell

Chris

I had a great time at this past McDowell. For me it was the best of the 3 (01, 03, 07) that I have attended.

Here were some of the highlights for me:
-Helping to finish the bridge across the creek for the Confederates to use to pass over.

-Running guard details at the headquarters area and being able to interact with spectators as we helped them off the wagons. Also I was able to have a short (15minute) interaction with one of the ladies (Mrs Robert Stitlington) from town who encountered my picket line.

-The fight on saturday and not knowing every detail of what was going to happen and having to react to what I saw and what the orders were.

-Being the skirmishers to advance into McDowell and help secure the Hull House and witness the surrender of the officer and guard detail there to my officer.

-Sunday's fight on the hill and seeing those Federals come up that hill at us and just the smoke, noise and confusion as we countered and fought and moved to the flank.

Thanks to Bob, Dave, and all the others for putting in the time and effort for this event.