in 1777, while General George Washington’s young army faced off against the British in the east, much of the protection of the western frontier was left to local county militia units. The defense of families who lived in the panhandle of Western Virginia along the Ohio River fell to the brave men of the Ohio County Militia. Far from professional soldiers, the members of the militia, in addition to carving out their existence in a near wilderness, would “muster” regularly to share news, train in military tactics, socialize, and generally patrol the frontier areas in which they lived.

The recreated Captain Joseph Ogle’s Company, Ohio County (Virginia) Militia invites you to meet their members to discuss the lives of those intrepid souls who took it upon themselves to defend lives, homes and property. Experience what an average day was like and activities that filled their time, what foods they ate, and how they passed any down time.

PETS
Pets are welcome at Smeck Park but we ask that you not bring pets to this program.