Civil War Day

GREEN BOTTOM -- Local Civil War history came to life Saturday during a day of re-enactments and demonstrations at Green Bottom's historic Jenkins Plantation.

More than 250 people turned out for the annual Civil War Day hosted by the Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area of Cabell County.

The event featured demonstrations by the Levisa Artillery re-enactment group based in Louisa, Ky. The group camped at the site over night and gave demonstrations on items used by Civil War soldiers, weapons, artillery and medical supplies. William Roberts, group leader, said they want to educate people on the area's history.

"I hope we kindle a fire under them to want to learn and find out more about our history," Roberts said. "We try to stir up interest in the younger generation. A lot of us are getting older and getting younger people interested in history will keep this hobby alive."

House curator Matt Boggess said history experts from around the area gave presentations about Civil War history and antiques used in the era. James Mitchell, West Virginia State Museum curator, had a display of weapons and medical supplies from the era available for people to see inside the Jenkins Plantation house. The Clagg Family, a family of re-enactors, gave demonstrations on what it was like for a family to survive during the 1800s.

Rob Kimbell, with Boy Scout Troop 707, said his scouts really enjoyed volunteering at the event and learning about the different aspects of Civil War life. Learning about the area's history, Kimbell said, really drew the troop to taking part in the event.

"It's not learning about history from somewhere far away, they're learning about the history of where they live," Kimbell said. "It's good to see them enjoying learning about the history of where they're from."

The Jenkins Plantation Museum is located on West Virginia Route 2 between Huntington and Point Pleasant. The museum is the former home of Confederate Brigadier General Albert Gallatin Jenkins and also interprets the large slave plantation operated by the Jenkins family.

The 1835 home, built in the tradition of Tidewater, Va., is noteworthy for its architecture and was built by slaves between 1830 and 1835. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and on the Civil War Discovery Trail. The museum's regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.