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CLICK HERE to download our 2009 Flyer!

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The staff of Mountwood Park would like to thank the 17th Virginia Cavalry for all of its hard work in making our, "Battle for Volcano" a huge success.  Please visit thier website! http://17thvirginiacavalry.tripod.com/index.html Remember because it is a free website you may have to disable your popup blocker to view.

 

Battle for Volcano

May 15-17, 2009

 

On May 9, 1863 Confederate General William “Grumble” Jones led a raiding party to the oil field at Burning Springs, West Virginia.  General Jones ordered his men to destroy the field and approximately 150,000 barrels of oil. 

1863 also witnessed the first oil well drilled at Volcano, West Virginia, an oil rich region approximately 30 miles north of Burning Springs.  By 1864 a considerable volume of oil was being recovered at Volcano.  It is not inconceivable that the oil field at Volcano could have been contested had the Civil War lasted longer. Read More...

Re-enactor Registration Form

Sutler Registration Form

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The 17^th Virginia Cavalry and Mountwood Park invite you to Mountwood Park May 23‑25, 2008 for the “Battle for Volcano”, a re-enactment of a battle that never occurred, yet easily could have. 

Featured:

•  re-enactments,

•  Sutlers,

• historic displays,

•  wagon rides and hay rides,

• dancing,

• entertainment,

• social gatherings for re-enactors and visitors alike, and

• a photographer will be available to take pictures with a Civil War soldier.

The Union and the Confederacy understood Volcano’s strategic value both for its growing oil fields and proximity to a major transportation artery, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.  The B&O line from Parkersburg was a major artery for moving Union troops, equipment, and supplies to the eastern theater of operations. 

“Billy Yank” and “Johnny Reb” were keenly aware of Volcano’s importance and seizing control of this rapidly growing town became a primary military objective.  "If we can't have it you can't either!" was the unspoken battle cry for the Blue and the Grey. For more information on oil rigs of that era please click here.

In retrospect, a pitched battle for control of Volcano could easily have happened during the Civil War.  Ironically, the town escaped destruction during the War only to be destroyed by arson in 1879.

General Stonewall Jackson’s wife Anna Jackson will have a lemonade stand.  Hopefully you will not find it too sweet as the General did.

Meet Belle Boyd, who at the age of 17 shot and killed a Union soldier.  This confederate spy hails from West Virginia, a spunky girl full of charm and a zest for adventure.

Re-enactors

Upon arrival, re-enactors must register and sign a liability waiver.  Pre-registration fee is $5 for individuals (12 years and older) registered by May 1.  The fee is $10 for individuals registered from May 1 through May 25.  All standard amenities will be provided, including firewood, hay, and water. 

Re-enactor Registration Form

Sutlers

Authentic Sutlers are welcome.  Sutlers are required to pre-register, sign a liability waiver, and pay the registration fee.  Please describe your goods and the size of your tent on the pre-registration form.  Sutlers are not permitted to sell flea market items, military items from other periods, or souvenirs. 

Sutler Registration Form

Battles

The Union and Confederate troops (cavalry, artillery, and infantry) will fight three battles—two on Saturday and one on Sunday. 

Location

Mountwood Park is located in the scenic foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, just 12 miles east of Parkersburg, West Virginia on US Route 50.  The Park is approximately 76 miles north of Charleston and 110 miles south of Wheeling.   

Our campground offers 80 campsites with full hook-ups.  Primitive campsites are available around the lake.  Accommodations are available in Parkersburg and Williamstown, West Virginia and Belpre and Marietta, Ohio.  You can contact us at (304) 679-3611 or 1‑877‑320-1688.

Mountwood Park Adoption Agency

• Parentage: missing parents, presumed deceased
• Age: 143 years, or older
• Gender: like many single-cell organisms, unisex
• Weight: guessing 500 lbs
• Medication: as needed, feed a sack of powder and round black pill
• CAUTION: side effect loud belching and spitting
• Sports: excels at shot putting
• Requires little supervision
  Toilet trained
• Does not sass, or talk back
  Simple diet
• Not hooked on TV, or video games
• Likes to spend a lot of time outdoors
• Will make you proud