More than 120 re-enactors from 16 units will be in Buchanan this weekend for the annual Civil War History Weekend April 27-29.

The public is invited to explore one of the lesser known sites of the Civil War where visitors will discover the town’s role as the terminus of the James River & Kanawha Canal during the war.

As folks explore the community they will find enlisted soldiers, participants in the weekend’s activities donning uniforms, shouldering their muskets, and marching off to a much different time.

Re-enactors will dress in Union and Confederate uniforms, drill in the way soldiers fought, portray the hardships soldiers endured and participate in a number of specifically designed programs that transform history into reality.

The re-enactors will be traveling from towns and cities from throughout Virginia as well as from other states including New York, Maryland. Indiana, Pennsylvania and North Carolina with the intent to travel back in time themselves to the 1860s when they will enter the world of a Civil War soldier, civilian or sutler.

Friday’s activities provide a behind-the-scenes peak to the public and school field trips where they will explore the Living History Camps set up along the bank of the James River as it winds its way around the Town Park on Lowe Street.

The bulk of activities take place on Saturday and Sunday as camps open to the public at 10 a.m. followed by scheduled events throughout the day.

The events Friday include artillery demonstrations at 12 noon and 7 p.m. on the Town Park and a street skirmish on Main Street at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday’s activities include an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., living history camps, skirmishes, a presentation at noon on the Botetourt County Historical Society book “Botetourt and the War Between the States” that was written by Ed McCoy, the re-enactment of the Battle of Buchanan at 4 p.m., the movie about Hunter’s Raid, and a camp dance at 8 p.m.

Sunday’s activities also include a battle re-enactment at 1:30 p.m,

Civil War History Weekend Schedule

Friday, April 27

10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Explore Living History Displays set up on the Town

Park. Re-enactors will be setting up camp as they arrive for this year’s Civil War

History Weekend. Get a sneak a peak behind the scenes as they set up. Explore living History Camps with displays of period tents and shelter methods plus other presentations by the Botetourt Artillery and other units.

12 p.m. & 7 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration on the Buchanan Town Park

7:30 p.m. – Main Street Skirmish– Word spreads throughout the Town of General Hunter’s fiery raid on the city of Lexington and the burning of VMI. Scouts arrive in town crossing the James River to be held back by General McCausland’s troops. Witness the chaos as cavalry arrive on Main Street where fighting breaks out near the Buchanan Theatre in the heart of the business community.

Saturday, April 28

In addition to Civil War History activities, explore Sidewalk Sales along Main Street.

8-10 a.m. — Breakfast at the Historic Wilson Warehouse/ Community House. Re-enactors and the public are invited to enjoy breakfast served in the same building used for shipping and receiving of goods during the Civil War, located at 421 Lowe Street. All proceeds going towards ongoing maintenance of this historic structure.

9 a.m.-10 p.m. – Camps open. Enjoy a full day of family activities. Civil War era camps will open in the morning and remain open throughout the day. Special displays and reenactments highlight the life and times of the Civil War Era and life in Buchanan. Enjoy Guest Speakers, period music and costumed re-enactors. Watch the chaos reenacted on Main Street throughout the day as word of eminent arrival of Hunters troops, explore Sutler’s Row on the Town Park where vendors set up to sell period wares and the Community Market on Main Street.

10 a.m.— Opening Ceremony. As church bells ring, re-enactors and guests will be welcomed to Buchanan’s Civil War History Weekend at the Buchanan Bicentennial Gazebo on the Town Park on Lowe Street.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. – “Botetourt County & the War Between the States – Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.” Meet Ed McCoy, author of  “Botetourt County & the War Between the States” in the historic Wilson Warehouse. McCoy will be available to discuss the book, sign copies and will do a brief program at 12 noon.

11 a.m. — “Victorian Fashion” – During the Civil War, women were expected to continue dressing in the same fashion as before the war despite having limited to no income. Learn how to stretch your dollars and have a period correct outfit for your activities.  Held in the Picnic Pavilion on the Town Park with guest speaker Debbie Sifford.

12 Noon— Explosive Situation on Main Street

12 Noon – Author Ed McCoy will make a presentation at the Historic Wilson Warehouse on his compilation of articles in the book “Botetourt County & the War Between the States,” followed by a book signing.

1:30 p.m.— “Main Street Chaos.” Word spreads throughout the Town of General Hunter’s fiery raid on the city of Lexington and the burning of VMI. General McCausland and his troops fight to prevent Hunter’s troops from advancing by filling the covered bridge with straw and lamp oil, setting the bridge on fire delaying the troops. Others escape to blast the hillside leading to Liberty further delaying Hunter’s Troops. Witness the chaos as citizens struggle to save their homes and stores.

2 p.m. – “Hunter’s Raid The Battle for Lynchburg.” Discover Union Gen. David Hunter’s fiery raid through the Shenandoah Valley during this film in the Buchanan Theatre on Main Street. In the summer of 1864, Hunter and his Army of 18,000 Union soldiers are ordered to capture Lynchburg. If Hunter can seize this important Southern city, it might cripple the Confederacy permanently, and end the war. Defended only by old men and young boys, Lynchburg must prepare for the worst. Admission is free.

4 p.m.— Battle of Buchanan– See the flash, smell the smoke and witness the reenactment of Confederate Gen. McCausland and his confederate troops fighting to delay Union General Hunters fiery Raid of the Valley. As Hunter’s troops ford the river upstream, McCausland troops hold their ground. As the Buchanan Turnpike Bridge burns destroying approximately 30 homes and businesses, troops blast the mountainside blocking passage along the ridge road leading from Buchanan to Liberty.

7:30 p.m. – Buchanan Theatre movie

8 p.m.—  Camp Dance – Enjoy taking part in or just watching as everyone

gathers for a dance on the Town Park. Enjoy the performance of Civil War era tunes and light refreshments. Come in period costume or just as you are. There will be a mix of called dances Free admission.

8 p.m. —  Camp Bon Fire on Town Park

Sunday, April 29

8-10 a.m.—Breakfast at the Historic Wilson Warehouse/Community House at 421 Lowe Street. General admission is $5 with all proceeds going towards ongoing maintenance of this historic Civil War Era structure.

9 a.m.– Camps open on the Town Park.

1:30 p.m.— Battle Of Buchanan– See the flash, smell the smoke and feel cannons roar as reenact the June 13, 1864  Battle of Buchanan. Union troops gathered on the North bank of the James River in Pattonsburg while Confederate troops delayed Hunter’s arrival with the firing of the Covered Bridge and battle response from Oak Hill. Battle to take place on the Buchanan Town Park. Admission by donation.