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Buchanan Civil War History Weekend
April 24, 2020 @ 10:00 am - April 26, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
Discover one of the lesser known sites of the Civil War, Buchanan, Virginia
2020 Buchanan Civil War History Weekend APPLICATIONS
Friday, April 24, Saturday, April 25 & Sunday, April 26, 2020
During the Civil War, the Town of Buchanan served as an important Confederate supply depot for shipment of agricultural produce and pig iron to Richmond via the James River and Kanawha Canal. Buchanan Farmers provided the Confederate quartermaster with beef, cotton, yarn and corn. Buchanan also provided troops for the Confederate war effort, most notably for the Botetourt Artillery. The unit distinguished itself in the defense of Vicksburg. To the left is a photograph with Charles L. Wilson (the soldier with the chin strap) with his unit.
Federal General David Hunter marched through Buchanan on June 13, 1864 on his ill-fated raid in Lynchburg. The following day Confederate General J.D. Imboden reported that Hunter had driven Confederate troops under McCausland’s command out of Buchanan. Period letters tell how McCausland burned the covered bridge over the James River before leaving igniting a fire which destroyed close to thirty buildings.
Personal letters of the era also tell of the devastation to Buchanan caused by the war including the burning of Col. John Anderson’s home known as Mount Joy, the three day Federal occupation of Oak Hill, the Anchorage, the Presbyterian Manse as well as other private homes and offices throughout Town. The battle flag of the Botetourt Artillery was said to have been made from the wedding dress of Cassandra Anderson, owner of Mount Joy.
Activities – Explore Living History Camps, stroll period demonstrations, Heritage Craft Demonstrations, Buchanan History Displays, Skirmishes, Period Fashion, Camp Dance, Sunday Camp Church Services, Civil War History Films, Guest Speakers and more!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Additions will be made to the schedule, check back for the latest details as events are added.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
4:00pm Set Up Camp Head Quarters – The Botetourt Artillery will be setting up their Event Camp Head Quarters at the intersection of Lowe Street and Boyd Street. Suttlers and Re-enactors may begin check in at this time to receive their camp site locations.
Friday, April 24, 2020
10:00a.m. Open Registration at Picnic Pavilion on Town Park at 485 Lowe Street (Intersection of Lowe Street and Bedford Street)
10:00 a.m. Botetourt Artillery Camp open for Living History Display
Units will be arriving throughout the day
11:00 am School Field Trips may be scheduled for this time. To register call the Buchanan Town Hall at (540) 254-1212 x 4.
7:00 p.m. Artillery Demonstration on the Town Park
7:30p.m. Street Skirmish
Note:Re-enactment Units will arrive throughout the day and evening hours. All participants must check in at the Registration Booth located at the Picnic Pavilion on the Town Park. This site will be noted with signage.
Saturday, April 25, 2020
8:00 am – 10:00 am Breakfast at the historic Wilson Warehouse at 421 Lowe Street This breakfast is open to re-enactors as well as the public.
10:00am – OPENING CEREMONY – Join us at the large Flag Pole on the Buchanan Town Park for the official opening of the weekend’s activities.
10:00 a.m. Camps Open on Town Park
10:00am – 5:00pm – Interpretive Displays throughout Town. Learn about period clothing, lifestyles, food and more.
11:30 a.m. Main Street Skirmish
1:00p.m. Skit on Main Street
2:00pm Enjoy a free showing of Hunter’s Raid The Battle For Lynchburg in the Buchanan Theatre – FREE ADMISSION
4:00p.m. Battle of Buchanan on Town Park
6:00 pm Dinner by Reservation for re-enactors who preregistered and received their Meal Ticket
8:00p.m. Bonfire & Camp Dance on Town Park open to the public
Sunday, April 26, 2020
8:00 am – 10:00 am Breakfast at the historic Wilson Warehouse at 421 Lowe Street This breakfast is open to re-enactors as well as the public.
10:00 a.m. Church Service at Picnic Pavilion on Town Park open to the public
1:30p.m. Battle of Buchanan on Town Park
Camps close following Battle of Buchanan
Pet Policy – Visitors are requested to leave their pets at home during the Buchanan Civil War History Weekend. The crowded events create an environment that is not conducive to our four legged friends. The safety of both you and your pet is important to us and we ask that all visitors adhere to this policy. (Certified Service Dogs are allowed)