A Confederate drummer boy runs during the reenactment of the 1862 Battle of McDowell Photo: David Allen

McDowell Battlefield Days

Presents a regiment vs. regiment re-enactment of the May 8, 1862 Battle of McDowell--the first Confederate victory in General "Stonewall" Jackson's brilliant Valley Campaign that encouraged the demoralized Confederate forces. Battlefield Days offers tours of the camps of "Confederate" and "Union" troops, continuous portrayals of the local population's interaction with "Union" and "Confederate" soldiers and interpretations of the lives and culture of the landowners and farmers of the Virginia Allegheny Highlands during the mid-19th century. The event also showcases local arts and crafts through demonstrations of quilting, spinning, blacksmithing, butter-churning and more. Period music and church services lend authenticity. Project documentation includes newsletters and promotional materials of the Highland Historical Society (sponsor of Battlefield Days) a report, photographs, newspaper and magazine coverage.

Originally submitted by: Bob Goodlatte, Representative (6th District).

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