Paw Paw Civil War Encampment

A Civil War Living History Encampment jointly sponsored by the Town of Paw Paw and Avalon Resort was held in the Paw Paw town park on May 19. At the encampment, visitors learned about the way the Union and Confederate soldiers lived, their hopes and dreams, their loves and hardships, and the way they fought.

With the crack of rifles in the air and the booming orders of Union Officers, the participants reminded that West Virginia cast its lot with the Union and became inextricably linked with the bloodiest war in American history. The Civil War Living History Encampment consisted of men in uniform, pitched tents, music and the sound of horses' hooves.

Many of the local citizens were given the opportunity to fire Civil War era rifles (blanks of course) and drill with the group. This was a special treat for the youngsters in the audience to interact with the soldiers.

The Camptown Shakers, a band performing civil war era songs and music, performed two sets to the audience. Members of the band have been in a variety of Civil War movies, such as Glory and Gettysburg.

Members of the Women's Auxiliary of the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department prepared and sold food.

In the evening, a civil war dance was held at the Avalon resort. The Camptown Shakers played for the dance on authentic instruments of the Civil War era. Tracy Culgan taught and called the dances, including the Virginia Reel. The dance was open to non-members of Avalon, who participated in the dances of 150 years ago.