Civil War days come to life in Morgan Co.
By PATRICIA A. WEST-VOLLAND
Special to the TR
McCONNELSVILLE - The Union and Confederate soldiers continue the Civil War Encampment today in McConnelsville with a major battle taking place at 1 p.m. on the Richmond Farm, three miles west on Ohio 37.
A Morgan's Raid scenario precedes the battle, but the day begins with a period church service in the Shelter in the Grove at 9 a.m. A medical demonstration on the wounded follows the battle.
For Civil War soldiers, being wounded in battle meant death in many cases, according to Mike Wonski, assistant surgeon. His tent was filled with powders, splints and lotions used in the treatment of war wounds. Saws and cleavers were part of the equipment too. Wounds often resulted in amputations, and amputation meant death from infections.
"The closer to the body the amputation was, the less chance for survival," Wonski said. "They didn't begin to clean instruments until about 1877 so infection killed a lot of the soldiers."
Besides learning a valuable history lesson, visitors to the encampment will find tents filled with gift items such a small tea sets, books on the Civil War and homemade lye soap.
The reenactors spend the weekend dressed in wool suits, sitting around open fires and sleeping in tents for various reasons.
"I like to teach people about the war," Matthew Barbee of Eaglesport said. "Very few people know about the war and I love telling them about it."
"My grandpa got me into it," Chuck Dunlevy of Bishopsville said. "I enjoy fighting and sleeping under the stars."
Brian McKee, Robert "Doc" Richmond and Richard Troup started the encampment 19 years ago on the 125th anniversary of Morgan's Raid. Growing from that first small group, the event now has about 250 reenactors.
"Little by little, it grew," McKee said. "Reenactments are sort of a family affair. We've always made this reenactment fun so the women like to come."
Originally published July 9, 2006
Morgan County recalls 'the Battle Between the States'
