The “1859 Western Virginia Military Academy” mustered for a field drill and tactical training along Four Pole Creek in Ritter Park Saturday afternoon. The young military re-enactors from Southside Elementary, Vinson, Huntington Middle and Huntington High Schools were joined by the Victorian ladies of the “Lizzie Cabell Finishing School,” — all in full wardrobe and period regalia. Aide-de-camp Captain Gavin Johnson told HNN, “I love doing this, it’s amazing. These (field maneuvers) are great for camaraderie and forming bonds.”
Lt. Colonel Michael Sheets explained that the 1859 Western Virginia Military Academy and Lizzie Cabell Finishing School were part of the Living History Exploratory Club and that they had been recreating the immediate pre-Civil War era for over fifteen years, stressing leadership and responsibility. The 10 to 15 year olds have a bivouac at the Huntersville Tradition Day in Pocahontas County, and also regularly participate in the annual Guyandotte Civil War Days events. The troop of young history buffs have assembled at Droop Mountain Civil War battlefield site and also visited rustic Beartown in Greenbrier County. Tents, rucksacks, canteens, hats, muskets, drums, swords and authentic period uniforms all add to the authenticity and drama of the 1859 era field assemblies.
Lt. Col. Sheets told HNN that the Lizzie Cabell Finishing School, the 1859 Western Virginia Military School and the Living History Exploratory Club are funded by grants from the state legislature, local government and private donations, primarily by military veterans. Interested sponsors are urged to call Huntington Middle School (formerly Cammack) for more information on how to financially support the Lizzie Cabell Finishing School and 1859 Western Virginia Military Academy historic re-enactors troop and Victorian ladies’ auxiliary.
