The Fincastle/Montgomery County Militia, the historical interpreters group, will have a living history display set up at the Wysong Blacksmith Shop in Fincastle on Saturday, March 20.
This event will commemorate the 245th anniversary of the formation and mustering-in of an infantry company of Botetourt County men that became part of the 7th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army commanded by Fincastle resident Captain Thomas Posey. The mustering-in of the company by Captain Posey took place on March 20, 1776 in Fincastle.
This event will feature members of the Fincastle/Montgomery County Militia demonstrating what life was like for a soldier in the Continental Army during the American War of Independence. Also on display will be a full-size, four-pound artillery piece that was of the type used during the war. The militia will demonstrate musket firing and the artillery will demonstrate how a typical cannon was manned and fired in battle. The firing demonstrations will take place at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. during the day. The event will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Fincastle/Montgomery County Militia is composed of living history interpreters who portray both military and civilian roles during the time of the American Revolution. All clothing and equipment used by the interpreters have been thoroughly researched and documented to have been used by soldiers and militia from this area.