Greenbrier Historical Society recalls Revolutionary War Stories as Camp Union anniversary approaches

LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) — The 250th anniversary of Camp Union is in 2026, but events planned for this year’s celebrations are drawing closer.

All Camp Union events are free and open to the public and being held by the Greenbrier Historical Society (GHS) on September 27-29 in Lewisburg, WV.

The event will include reenactors, a lecture, and a new traveling exhibit. The Barracks will serve as the location of the function, across from the Lewis Spring where the the history behind the events took place. On Friday, the commemoration events will be open to eighth grade students and available for the public on Saturday and Sunday.

The GHS Barracks will also be the setting for a traveling exhibit based on Lord Dunmore’s War and the camp. After the festivities, the exhibit will be donated to different libraries, schools, or potentially museums. To mark the end of the event, Alan Gutchess, the Fort Pitt Museum Director, will deliver a thorough lecture on Sunday, September 29 at 2 p.m. followed by an additional opportunity to view the traveling exhibit.

As men prepared to move towards Point Pleasant, they faced logistical problems as to how to move their cargo. George Washington, the first President of the United States, noted his admiration for the men and their determination. Below are Washington’s and Col. William Preston’s thoughts regarding militia men at Camp Union.

Strip me of the dejected and suffering remnants of my army; take from me all that I have left; leave me but a banner; give me but the means to plant it upon the mountains of West Augusta and I will draw around me the men who will lift up their bleeding country from the dust and set her free.

George Washington | Revolutionary War period

This body of militia being mostly armed with rifle guns, and a great part of them good woodsmen, are looked upon to be at least equal to any troops for the number that have raised in America.

Col. Preston Williams | County Lieutenant, Fincastle County

Regarding the upcoming celebration, Al Emch, President of the Greenbrier Historical Society

We hope everyone will come out to see the reenactment of Camp Union, hear the lecture at Carnegie Hall and learn about the role the people of the Greenbrier Valley played in Dunmore’s War and the American Revolution.

Al Emch | President, Greenbrier Historical Society

For more information regarding this event and the Greenbrier Historic Society, click here to visit their website.

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