Blue And Gray Reunion Brings Crowds To Downtown

Caption: Credit Sam Muncy, who said “Through the modern invention of photography, this reporter captured President Lincoln and General Grant discussing strategy at the Philippi Medallion Restaurant. General Grant was overheard to say he felt the war would soon be over. Let us all hope he is correct.”

Credit on other photos: City of Philippi Facebook page

By Marija Ilic

More than 100 reenactors descended on downtown Philippi last weekend for the annual Blue and Gray reunion, commemorating the first land battle of the Civil War, known as Philippi Races. Union and Confederate soldiers, ladies decked out in their best 1860s outfits, settled in two different camps in town, and participated in numerous events over four day period. Joining them were General Grant and President Lincoln, who could be seen at various stations throughout the weekend, engaging with the public, and often discussing history and strategies.

The weekend festivities started with opening ceremonies on Thursday evening, and Friday was reserved for Walking History day during daytime, and parade and music in the evening. Parade, as always, drew the largest crowds.

On Saturday, the reenactors participated in three different skirmishes, including nighttime one at the Covered Bridge, which in recent years, has become a favorite for visitors and onlookers, attracting bigger and bigger crowds each year. Saturday also brought a new event. Instead of traditional ball, this year, 17 North Event Center hosted Square Dancing, and according to participants, it was one of the most exciting new features!

Saturday also saw some returning events, starting with 5K race in the morning, which has served as the biggest fundraiser for Belington Middle School for over 30 years, as well as annual Blue and Gray Choir Concert, which once again attracted people from all over West Virginia to Philippi Baptist Church.

Sunday is traditionally reserved for the main event – reenactment of the Philippi Races battle, and this year, the battle included some new arrangements and more personal interaction among soldiers. Soldiers could be seen coming out of the alleys, and chasing each other down the side roads, which was different than in year’s prior, and has definitely kept crowds entertained!

The preparations for the next year will start in the fall, and the committee will once again be looking for people with suggestions and ideas, as well as volunteers to help out with various committees and tasks throughout the year and on Blue and Gray Reunion next weekend – so be on the lookout for the meeting announcements in The Barbour Democrat and on the Blue and Gray Reunion Facebook page.