Virginia Divided: The Forgotten First Campaign September 15, 2011

Hunter Lesser, a native West Virginian and a consulting archaeologist and historical interpreter, will discuss how the mountains of “Western Virginia” were a proving ground for soldiers and statesmen in 1861. Here Generals George McClellan and Robert E. Lee squared off in the opening campaign of America’s Civil War.

While armies battled, Virginia Unionists defied the Confederates in Richmond by forging a new state government in Wheeling. Soldiers, civilians, and politicians come to life in this overlooked but compelling chapter of Virginia history.

Official Website: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/