The Battle of 1782 and Betty Zane’s famous powder run were reenacted at Camp Russel Shelter in Oglebay Park, bringing history to life. The event drew dozens of historical reenactors who portrayed 18th-century settlers, military personnel, and natives, showcasing period-correct crafts, entertainment, and daily life activities. The battle recreation was an opportunity for reenactors to educate the audience about the historical significance of the event. Karen Fry, a participant for 48 years and a descendant of one of the settlers who fought in the battle, emphasized the importance of preserving the history for future generations.
Madison Lucas, a young reenactor, played the role of a Fort Henry inhabitant who gets kidnapped by Indians while gathering berries and herbs for her family. The reenactors, such as Bill Graham and Mickey Davis, highlighted the tense relationship between settlers and Indians during that period. They aim to portray history as accurately as possible and provide a “bird’s eye view” of the battle of 1782. The underlying conflict between white settlers and Native Americans over land ownership was also addressed, shedding light on historical injustices.
Tiffany Apan, known for her lectures on cosmetics of the time period, expressed her appreciation for the community and camaraderie among reenactors. The event was an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and to meet reenactors she had previously only interacted with online. Families also participated in the event, with children immersing themselves in the historical setting. The family-oriented atmosphere made it possible for parents to engage in the event while allowing their children to explore and learn from other reenactors.
Among the attendees were the Bennett family, who viewed the event as a fun historical day outing. Blake Bennett, who had recently studied Betty Zane’s powder run in school, found the reenactment to be a thrilling and intense experience. For actors involved in these reenactments, being able to bring history to life and captivate children who often learn about it solely through textbooks is a rewarding aspect of their participation. The immersive nature of the event allows for a deeper understanding of colonial times and creates an opportunity to spark interest in history among a generation with shorter attention spans.
In conclusion, the battle of 1782 reenactment and Fort Henry Days at Oglebay Park provided a platform for historical education and an immersive experience of the past. Reenactors brought history to life, showcasing the struggles and conflicts of that era while highlighting the importance of preserving and sharing this knowledge with future generations.