Battle of Point Pleasant
The Battle of Point Pleasant was a conflict between the Virginia militiamen, led by Colonel Andrew Lewis, and Indian tribes lead by the Shawnee Chieftain Cornstalk. The battle occurred on October 10, 1774 at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers which is currently part of the West Virginia Tu-Endie-Wei State Park.
The conflict has been considered the first battle of Revolutionary War. Lord Dunmore, then Governor of Virginia, ordered the militia to be organized and sent them to quell troubles with the Indians in the west. The deployment had the benefit of removing a number of troops from aiding in the struggle against the British, and more than 50 fighters did not return. The battle, however, was a victory for the Colonel Lewis's men that led to peace with the Indians, and the remaining militiamen were then able to return to the fight for independence.
The SAR and other historical organizations gather each year at the site of the battle to commemorate those that fought and died at Point Pleasant. The memorial ceremony is a part of Battle Days, an annual celebration of the battle and its historical significance. Additional information on the battle can be found at the Tu-Endie-Wei State Park website.
Battle of Point Pleasant
October 5, 2014
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