Laurel Hill Organizers Hope For More Local Participation
By BEN SIMMONS, Staff WriterArticle Photos
Confederate forces gained a small victory Saturday in Belington by securing the railroad station from a Union Army ambush, but couldn't muster enough firepower to safeguard Laurel Hill at the annual re-enactment on Sunday. The town bustled with excitement over the weekend as the Battle of Laurel Hill re-enactment and homecoming activities provided tons of fun for the entire community.
Kathy Hart, president of the Laurel Hill Foundation and the Belington Convention and Visitors Bureau, said she was pleased with the turnout for the weekend's events, but would like to see more community participation in the future.
"I was really happy with the people who attended," Hart said. "We hope to be able to do this for many years to come. In the future, we hope more people will get involved. We want to continue to educate people about the history we have at Laurel Hill. We need to teach the children of the history because we have so many people, adults, who are in the dark about what happened here. We need people to understand the significance our town played in history."
A full slate of activities took place Saturday including a train ambush, 5K run, car show, flea market, silent auction, children's games, magic show and buggy rides. Living history and cemetery tours were also provided, along with live music, a chili cookoff, Cotillion Ball and bonfire.
Roger House of Clarksburg has been doing civil war re-enactments for more than 15 years. He serves as commander of the 4th battalion artillery and his troops helped secure the train station from a Union ambush.
"The Confederates secured the rail station at Belington, Va., for at least one day more," House told The Inter-Mountain after the skirmish. "We were a little shy on infantry, so some of the guys securing the line had taken up small arms to drive the Union troops out of Belington and make things safe for ma and pa."
House said the hospitality of the folks in Belington is what makes the event so attractive to visitors. This year re-enactors came from West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
"The people here treat you like a million bucks," House said. "They would do anything they can to help you out. They really work hard to organize this event to honor our heritage and our history. They really need to be applauded for it."
Leon Cross of Belington helps provide security for the New Tygart Flyer train and wants to make sure everyone enjoys their visit to Belington.
"I'm out here to meet my brothers and sisters," Cross said. "I really enjoy the homecoming activities and seeing everyone. I do security for the train. I make sure this train is safe to bring little kids on each day. To make sure there is no filthy language, no drunks and no smoking. I want to make sure everybody is safe and has a good time."
The weekend culminated on Sunday with the Battle of Laurel Hill re-enactment at the reservoir. Prior to the event, a traditional wreath laying ceremony was conducted at the memorial wall to honor those who were killed in the battle.
Ron Cremeans of Fairmont and Steve Goff of Lost Creek have been participating in the Battle of Laurel Hill re-enactment for nearly 10 years. They enjoy teaching people about the cultural heritage of the Civil War.
"I like providing an educational experience to the public," Cremeans said. "We have the opportunity to honor the men who fought here by showing people how things were. These men fought for what they believed in and it shouldn't be forgotten. We want to help give folks a better understanding of what went on back then and provide a rich, in-depth experience."
Goff has participated in many re-enactments including Gettysburg, Manassas and Droop Mountain, among others.
"I love coming to Belington because they really make us feel welcome," Goff said. "What really makes Laurel Hill special is we're on the actual battlefield, which doesn't happen very often. It's the only one I know of where you are on the actual battlefield. And the scenery is beautiful."
For more information, visit www.battleoflaurelhill.org. Sponsors for the event included the Belington CVB, Freedom Bank and the 11th Virginia Calvary.
