The Battle of Rich Mountain, Part 1 (1999 Reenactment Video)

I recently stumbled upon this amateur video taken at a reenactment of the July 11, 1861 Battle of Rich Mountain in what is today Randolph County, West Virginia. The video features an interview with Phyllis Baxter of the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation and some of the reenactors, as well as footage of the skirmish. It’s a fun throwback and provides a great behind-the-scenes glimpse into the dedication, camaraderie, and historical enthusiasm shared by reenactors. Baxter’s insights bring context to the battle’s significance in the early months of the Civil War, and watching the reenactors maneuver through authentic period tactics truly breathes life into a piece of West Virginia history.