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Fort Henry Days

The Revolutionary war is widely considered to have ended at Yorktown. However, on the frontier borders of this fledgling country, the war was still very much alive, and the small community of Wheeling was struggling to survive continuing conflict with the British and their Native-American allies. For the colonial denizens of Wheeling, hardship was a way of life, and the threat of sudden death was a constant companion. The area’s lone stronghold, Ft. Henry, was the only means of defense for this frontier settlement, and the people of the area depended on it for their very lives. Fort Henry Days is a tribute to Wheeling’s frontier era. Witness history come to life through dramatic battle re-enactments and period correct demonstrations. Return to the time of Betty Zane, Sam McColloch, and Lewis Wetzel. Return to a time where uncommon courage was commonplace.

Skirmish On The River

Come see how your ancestors lived during that turbulent time! There are live battles on Saturday and Sunday. Educational Day for students is Friday. Ladies Tea Saturday at Noon. Period costumes and Dance Saturday night. Cannon Night Firing. Camps open to the public all weekend.

New Deal Festival

The New Deal Festival is held annually on the second Saturday in July to celebrate the unique history of the nation’s first New Deal Subsistence Homestead Community of Arthurdale. The event is sponsored by Arthurdale Heritage, Inc., the non-profit organization that formed to “restore yesterday for tomorrow” with the mission of preserving the history of Arthurdale for generations to come. This quaint 1930s-40s style festival features artisan demonstrations, craft market, children’s activities, new exhibits in the New Deal Homestead Museum, tours of the Arthurdale Historic District, a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt, and much more. Arthurdale was founded in 1933 as the nation’s first New Deal Subsistence Homestead Community by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. The community provided jobs, education, and modern housing for impoverished, unemployed miners living in destitute coal camps in West Virginia. It also served as a laboratory for new educational, industrial, and farming techniques.

Annual Blue & Gray Reunion

Weekend events commemorating the First Land Battle of the Civil War fought in Philippi, VA June 3, 1861...reenactments, skirmishes, Confederate and Union camps, crafters and food vendors, Grand Parade, horse and buggy parade, Kids' Day/Walking History, tours of historic Barbour County Courthouse, 5K race, kayak and SUP races, live entertainment, Community Choir Concert, Civil War Ball, Chili CookOff, quilt show, and ladies' tea.

Civil War Symposium: Yankees, Rebels & Rabble-Rousers

A Civil War symposium featuring commanders who inspired, astonished, and bewildered! Presented by the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation. Speakers include Rick Wolfe, Hunter Lesser, Scott Patchan, and Dr. Billy Joe Peyton. Cost--$30 Student Price--$15. Optional dinner to follow (additional cost).

Christmas on the Frontier

Fort Randolph's reenactors invite you to join them for a frontier Christmas celebration. Gingerbread cookies and punch are just the beginning of a frontier Christmas feast. Colonial entertainment with music, singing, dancing and story telling follows dinner. Don your colonial best and celebrate the Christmas season at Fort Randolph.

Guyandotte Civil War Days

Guyandotte Civil War Days focuses its programs on this historic event in an effort to celebrate and promote the rich heritage of the area. The re-enactment of the Confederate raid on Saturday is the highlight of this event. The re-enactment is a true re-enactment based on known historical facts concerning the November 10,1861, skirmish.    The re-enactment of the Union Troops recapturing the town on Sunday will demonstrate the actual events of November 11, 1861. Re-enactments of known historic events and living history scenarios will be presented over the weekend. Be sure to check out the display cases at the Guyandotte Library for a display of Civil War facts and photographs.   During both days there will be many other scenarios of life during the war years, including exhibitions by military field surgeons. There will be a pavilion where you can meet local area authors. There will be multiple "Sutlers" when you can buy period clothing, merchandise and souvenirs.