Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 21, 1990 TAG: 9007210139
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER SOUTHWEST BUREAU
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE LENGTH: Medium
About 350 participants are expected to re-enact the battle Aug. 25 and 26 on nine acres, some of which were part of the original battlefield.
The "battles" will start at 1 p.m. both days.
The original battle took place May 10, 1864, when Union troops commanded by Gen. William Woods Averell attempted to raid Wythe County. The troops were trying to open a way to the strategic salt works near Saltville, but first had to pass through the heavily guarded cove in Wythe County.
The battle started at noon and lasted six hours, with the 34th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry and 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry under Averell fighting an estimated 4,000 soldiers on the Confederate side.
The re-enactors will set up their camps Aug. 24. John M. Johnson, re-enactment chairman, said at least three cannons also will be part of the program.
Besides being dressed in the military uniforms of both sides, participants will also be clad as doctors, camp followers and local settlers.
A "living history" campsite will be available for public view Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. until noon, and reopen from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Aug. 26 hours will be 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 4 p.m.
Onlookers will be able to follow the battle by bringing portable radios, since WYVE will be covering it with commentary and "interviews" with participants. They can also bring cameras and video equipment.
Tickets are $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 5-12, with younger children admitted free. The tickets are on sale at Wythe County banks, Kincer-Miller Hardware, Central Drug and the Wythe County Bicentennial office in Wytheville.
No tickets will be sold at the battle site, but a last-minute sales booth will be set up at the corner of Peppers Ferry and Cove Roads on the two days of the re-enactment. Tickets can also be ordered by mail from the bicentennial office (272 W. Main St., Wytheville 24382).
by CNB