History Repeating Itself - Civil War Reenactments Near Historic Inns

June 14, 2011 - PRLog -- It’s often been said, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, but those who reenact history are able to commemorate it, and use it to entertain and educate. Civil War reenactments are one of the many ways that people are continuing to honor its Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary).  Innkeepers, often history buffs themselves, are getting involved in the many Sesquicentennial events and guests can use the Civil War specials page on BnBFinder.com (www.BnBFinder.com/CivilWar) to find a vacation that brings history to life.

Happy Birthday West Virginia.  Not wanting to secede from the Union, a convention of delegates from the western part of Virginia met in Wheeling and agreed that should Virginia secede, they would separate from the state but stay with the Union.  On June 20th, 1861, Francis H. Pierpont was sworn in as the new governor of West Virginia, a day celebrated there as West Virginia Day.  This year, for the 150th Anniversary, there will be a dramatic reenactment of Governor Pierpont’s inaugural address and a historical tour.

The nearby Bonnie Dwaine Bed & Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/BonnieDwaine) will be involved in the events.  The reenactors portraying General Robert E. Lee and President Abraham Lincoln will be staying at the inn.  Innkeeper Sidney Grisell is President of the board that runs the pre-civil war West Virginia Penitentiary, open for tours year round with ghost hunts at night.  “Reenacting is pretty new for us because we’re pretty far from the major battlefields,” says Grisell.  But on West Virginia Day, reenactments will also take place at the Cockayne Farm – a former Underground Railroad stop, in front of the prison, and in the Cockayne Yard.

A Family Affair.  The “First Battle of Boonville,” occurring on June 17, 1861 in Boonville, MO, gave the Union what would become an unbroken control of the Missouri River. 150 years later to the day, visitors can observe a reenactment of this strategic victory. The Civil War excursion continues at the Cottage on the Knoll at Cedarcroft Farm (www.BnBFinder.com/CedarcroftFarm).  Both innkeepers, Sandra and Bill Wayne had relatives in the War and have been reenacting since the 80s.  Bill will be participating in the reenactment at Boonville.  His first big battle was the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Shilo, April 6-7 1987, but his interest in the war goes back to his childhood.  Guests can find Civil War memorabilia on display at the inn, such as Sandra’s Great Grandfather’s mementos and Bill’s Great Grandfather’s memoirs.

Drive Through History.  The “First Battle of Bull Run” took place on July 21, 1861. Leading up to its Sesquicentennial, take a van tour of the Battle on June 18. The tour includes Blackburn’s Mill, Centreville, the McLean House site, Signal Hill and much more.  View a “Living History Program” on June 25 and 26th at Manassas National Battlefield Park, as reenactors portray soldier life during the War.  Finish up the day at the Manassas Junction Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/ManassasJunction), an authentically restored Queen Anne.

Antebellum Belles.  Travel to Morrisville, NC where the ladies of North Carolina will be reenacting the “Presentation of Colors” to the 6th North Carolina Regiment on June 25th.  Stay in the historic district of Cameron Park, at the Cameron Park Inn (www.BnBFinder.com/CameronPark) in Raleigh, NC.  Continue your trip through history with a horse and carriage ride through downtown Raleigh.

Civil War themed vacations are a way to remember this important part of American history; staying at a bed and breakfast often adds an extra bit of history to the experience.

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