ELLISON – The 12th Annual Great Road Encampment, a living history encampment detailing life from 1700-1840, is set for next weekend, Oct. 19 and 20 in Elliston.
The Great Road was the main thoroughfare going west to the frontier. It was traveled by the likes of George Washington, Daniel Boone, Andrew Lewis, William Preston, Adam Harman, the Ingles and Draper families. This event honors all who passed through the valleys of Southwest Virginia in the quest for a better life.
The event is 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
There will be demonstrations by living history reenactors, presentations on the history of The Great Road and The West Virginia Company of Roger’s Rangers. Demonstrations include flintlock muskets, camp cooking, knife and tomahawk throwing, leather work, blacksmithing, 18th century clothing, spinning, weaving and more.
The event will be held at East Montgomery Park, beside the Elliston Fire Department, 5001 Enterprise Drive Elliston. It is sponsored by Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Fort Vause Outfitters, Great Road Craft Guild, Seams Colonial and other private donors.
Staff report