Winchester, Virginia
This southern town at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley is considered by many historians to have been the most fought over location of the Civil War, by some counts changing hands between North and South over 70 times.
The Shenandoah Valley
The people of the area were intensely loyal to Virginia and The South. In most counties of the Shenandoah Valley the vote regarding secession ran over 99% in favor. There were few slaves in the region and cotton plantations were non-existent. There were no large cities. Most of the people were small farmers or held town occupations. But the Shenandoah Valley was a fruitful agricultural region and geography made it a natural corridor for the movement of armies between North and South - thus a strategic area of high importance. The people of the Valley endured years of hardship as friend and foe alike marched and countermarched, fought, advanced and retreated through the farms and towns which local families called home.
The War Arrives
The first real invasion of the Shenandoah Valley was launched in early 1862. In March Federal forces advancing from the north captured Winchester, quickly putting the town under military occupation. In May, Confederate forces under Stonewall Jackson counterattacked in hopes of liberating Winchester and its citizens.
Be prepared ...
... for an educational immersion experience.
Hosted by We Make History, The Battle of Winchester is taking a team approach to bringing history to life and thus is proudly a cooperative effort between WMH, Pioneer Village, The 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry, The Arizona Civil War Council and others who are all contributing from a strong pool of knowledge, skills and abilities.
For the Public & Our Homeschool Friends
We step in with creativity and imagination to "transform" Pioneer Village of Phoenix, Arizona into Winchester, Virginia - Civil War Crossroads in the Spring of 1862.
Expect a highly interactive and dramatized event featuring an invited cast of living historians in which not only the soldiers but civilians as well will play a central role.
And there is more.
Though in modern attire, YOU will be treated as a citizen of Winchester, 1862!
Rather than publishing a static list of scheduled activities the day will be an unfolding drama in which we hope to catch all up into a sense of 1862. You will be treated as citizens of Winchester. Like your counterparts of 1862 you will not know what might be coming next but you will be included in much of the drama as it transpires.
For Schools
"Civil War Public School Day"
On Friday, February 3rd, 2006 we shall feature a School Day at Pioneer Village of Phoenix for which we invite public, private and charter school groups to tour Civil War encampments, see battle reenactments circa 1862 and meet and interact with soldiers and civilians alike.
What a unique opportunity for a "hands on" learning experience!
This day is not open to the general public but has been set aside for school tours only. (We encourage homeschool groups to attend Saturday or Sunday as those days will be more geared to a homeschool approach.)
Admission is $8 per person at the door for this "rain or shine" historic event.
Plan on arriving by 10AM. Battles will take place circa 11:00 and 12:30. You are welcome to stay as long as you would like but we recommend at least two hours.
Please email us for further details!
Location
Pioneer Village is unique to the Phoenix metro area featuring both authentic and reproduction buildings with a late 19th century feel. It is located at the Pioneer exit of the I-17. This exit is north of Carefree Highway but south of the community of Anthem.
Feel welcome to visit the gift shop and cafe during your visit to Pioneer Village.
Want to do some homework?
Read
"Defend the Valley"
by Margaretta Barton Colt
An unusual and excellent book, "Defend the Valley" makes extensive use of the diaries, journals and personal letters of the author's many relatives, both civilian and military, who lived out the diverse experiences of the War Between the States in and around the town of Winchester and the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Available from all major online bookstores.
www.AmericanHeritageFestival.com
Music playing is "Stonewall Jackson's Way"