Re-Enactment Will Benefit Battlefield Site Conservation (VA)
Williamsburg, VA 7/13/2006: Well past dusk, smoke from musket fire clouded the air 225 years ago, as 1,000 Continental soldiers narrowly escaped British General Lord Cornwallis’s best-laid trap of 2,000 troops, buying America precious time in its fight for independence. Through quick thinking and some luck, the small army led by Generals Lafayette and Wayne eluded disaster at the Battle of Green Spring in July 1781, and in doing so, kept British General Cornwallis’ army in check, eventually leading to his capture at Yorktown in October.
On July 15 and 16, 2006 more than 600 Revolutionary War re-enactors will march into Williamsburg from as far away as Maine, Florida, and Michigan to honor the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Green Spring as they recreate its dramatic storyline for all to see at the The Williamsburg Winery.
Proceeds from the re-enactment-the first ever dedicated to authentically recreating the action at Green Spring-will be donated to The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a nonprofit land conservation organization that has an agreement to purchase 198 acres, including a portion of the original Green Spring battlefield, from the Vermillion family.
“The Battle of Green Spring is one of the many Revolutionary War battles which have great significance but does not end up in the history books because George Washington was not a part of it or it was not an American victory.” said Todd Post, president of the 2d Virginia Regiment and coordinator for the Green Spring re-enactment. “By hosting this re-enactment we have the opportunity not only to teach visitors about this important battle but also have a lasting contribution by helping to save part of the original battlefield for generations to come.”
Green Spring was the last major clash between Continental troops and British, Loyalist, and German soldiers prior to the arrival of an allied American and French army under Washington in September 1781, which led to the Siege of Yorktown.
Sponsors of the event include The Trust for Public Land, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and James City County.
“This re-enactment is a terrific opportunity for history to step out of the books and come alive so that each and every one of us can experience part of America’s fight for independence,” said Denise Schlener, the director of TPL’s Chesapeake and Central Appalachians Field Office. “We are thrilled to have our efforts to protect this historic property coincide with such a significant anniversary.”
Activities begin at 10:00 a.m. on July 15 and 16, 2006, with the battle at 2:30 p.m. on July 15 and 1:30 p.m. on the July 16. Other attractions throughout the weekend include period craftsmen, musicians, and a display of artifacts found on the original battlefield. Tickets for the family-friendly event are $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 6-16, and are available at http://www.battleofgreenspring.org/ Food and drink will be available at the event.
James City County has been a partner with The Trust for Public Land in the effort to protect the historic Jamestown Campsites and Yacht Basin properties.
About The Trust for Public Land
In December 2005, The Trust for Public Land put down a deposit for the purchase of the 198-acre Jamestown Campsites and Yacht Basin properties using $3 million committed by James City County. TPL is working with James City County and local, state, and federal agencies to protect the 198-acre Jamestown Campsites and Yacht Basin properties and has secured significant public and private funding for the $12.5 million purchase, which will take place by December 2006.
The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 2.2 million acres of land in 46 states, including more than 16,000 acres in Virginia. TPL depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve our land for people mission.
About The 2d Virginia Regiment www.secondvirginia.org
The 2d Virginia Regiment is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia with the purpose of authentically recreating the life and times of the common Virginian soldier of the American Revolution. Formed in 1998, the 2d Virginia Regiment recreates the entire Revolutionary War scene for the general public through attending and hosting encampments, battlefield re-enactments, lectures, workshops, and preservation efforts. The equipment and uniforms used by members are thoroughly researched and painstakingly reproduced with historical accuracy and paid for by the membership.