Chief Cornstalk Featured in Living History Celebration

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Date: June 28, 2013

Living history interpreters Doug Wood and Naomi Wilson discuss the fur and skin trade and its disruption during the War for the Middle Ground.
Living history interpreters Doug Wood and Naomi Wilson discuss the fur and skin trade and its disruption during the War for the Middle Ground.

Glen Jean, West Virginia, June 27, 2013Step pack in time 250 years to get a realistic glimpse of the 18thcentury at a day-long history demonstration at Sandstone Visitor Center on Saturday, July 6th. Living history interpreters, led by Doug Wood, will show elements of the life of the Shawnee, especially Chief Cornstalk and his warriors. Be it a look at this native people’s daily life or the ways of the warrior, these interpreters will highlight the role of these people in history. “Doug Wood is an exciting re-enactor to witness. He goes totally into his Native American persona, transporting us to that point of view. When Doug returns to the present, he answers his audience’s questions with marvelous authoritative depth. His performance is riveting and enlightening,” said Chris Chanlett, President of the Friends of the Lower Greenbrier River.

Discover this amazing story of the region’s native people, along with other tales of history and nature at ranger-guided programs. Walks and informal talks in New River Gorge National River and Bluestone National Scenic River provide a fun way to get outdoors and learn more about the natural world that surrounds us and the people who shaped our past. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for all guided hikes. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this weekend’s featured ranger programs:

Daily Programs – July 2 – 7, 2013:

Ranger on the Rock

6:30 pm – 7:45 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.

Saturday, July 6, 2013:

The Roots of Un-Civil War: 250thAnniversary of Chief Cornstalk’s Campaign

10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Meet at the Sandstone Visitor Center. Step back in time as living history interpreters highlight an 18thcentury Shawnee warrior camp and life of these native people. See ongoing living history demonstrations outdoors throughout the day.

  • 10:00 am – War camp opens.
  • 11:00 am – Warrior walk. Meet at the war camp.
  • 12:00 pm – Culture and agriculture demonstrations at the war camp.
  • 1:00 pm – Useful native plant walk. Meet at the war camp.
  • 2:00 pm – Shawnee culture and history, plus Cornstalk’s campaign. Meet in the visitor center theater.
  • 3:00 pm – War camp closes.

Bluestone Walk

10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk.  Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.00 for the return tram ride.

Bluestone Turnpike Hike

10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 10 mile walk.  Take a walk on the wild side through Bluestone National Scenic River and explore the beauty and diversity of this remote area. Hikers will travel with a ranger along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, which runs along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. A FREE shuttle will be provided for the return trip to Pipestem State Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a lunch and plenty of water.

Historic Thurmond Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

Sunday, July 7, 2013:

Historic Thurmond Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

For more information about New River Gorge National River and upcoming ranger activities, visit https://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, follow us on Twitter at https://Twitter.com/NewRiverNPS, or stop by any park visitor center.



Last updated: February 26, 2015

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Glen Jean, WV 25846

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304-465-0508

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