243rd Anniversary of the Battle of Point Pleasant

7-8 Oct 2017                   Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, WV

Virginia Contingent, under the statue of Virginia Andrew Lewis. L to R: Brett Osborn, Peter Davenport, 1st Vice President Pat Kelly, Bill Schwetke.

     On October 10th, 1774, at the the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio RIves, Shawnee and Mingo Indians under Chief Cornstalk, attacked an advancing column of Virginia Milita under Colonel Andrew Lewis.  A fierce battle ensued, ending when Cornstalk withdrew his force, which was soon pursued by the Virginians, now reinforced with troops under the command of the Virginia Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore.  Cornstalk was then compelled to agree to terms favorable to the Crown to end hostilities.  This agreement ceded to Lord Dunmore the land south of the Ohio River.
     1st Vice President Pat Kelly led the Virginia contingent, composed of members of four chapters: Colonel James Wood, II, Cupeper Minutemen, George Mason, and Thomas Jefferson.  Pat Kelly was accompanied by his wife, Jennifer, and Bill Schwetke was accompanied by his wife, Cat. The first activity on Saturday was a parade in Point Pleasant.  That evening their was a Governor's reception, followed by a Colonial Dance program.

Reception line at the Governor's Reception. Virginia SAR 1st VP Pat Kelly (2nd from left) greets an attendee, his wife, Jennifer, is on the far left.

Colonial Dance instruction was part of the entertainment for the evening.

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     Sunday we woke to rain, which conveniently abated for the outdoor Colonial Church Service in Tu-Endie-Wei State Park.  This was followed by a luncheon at a local church.  Then the ceremony was conducted under a tent in the State park.  President General Larry Guzy was the keynote speaker.

Head table at the Sunday Luncheon. Left to Right: Centeral District Vice President General Robert Fish; the hose, Point Pleasant Chapter Presidnet Ed Crowley (standing), Secretary General Warren Alter, President General Larry GUzy, West Virginia SAR President Bill Lester, local dignitary, Treasurer General Jack Manning.

Keynote speaker, President General Larry Guzy.

Musket Salute - successful despite the rain!

Wreaths kept dry under a tent.