Mobirise

The Siege of Fort Randolph

Point Pleasant, WV     May 18, 2024 
Photos by Kathy Cummings

In the fall of 1777, Chief Cornstalk arrived at Fort Randolph and attempted to negotiate peace with the colonists. His visit did not go well and he was killed.As a result native unrest grew, and Fort Randolph was under siege for a week in May 1778.

With the assistance of Cornstalk's sister, the colonists not only weathered the attack on the fort but succeeded in warning nearby Fort Donnally of an impending native attack, saving many lives. 

Our first visit to Fort Randolph was in 2005. It was an interesting visit but I was a bit put off by one unusual tactic. Halfway through the Siege the battle was paused. The narrator invited the guests who were inside the fort (behind rope lines ) to go outside the fort. And the guests who were seated outside were escorted inside the fort. And the battle resumed. Visitors got to witness the re-enactment from both the native and colonists perspective. Over the years I came to really appreciate that. We attended The Siege at Fort Randolph in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2015. After several years of not traveling as much, I went back in 2022. The faces had changed but happily several remained the same.This year in 2024 I was again confronted with changes. The battle was not narrated nor did it stick to a strict time schedule. There were no ropes and I found it was almost a battle "in the round." I was not thrilled with all of the visitors in my photos. But maybe my opinion is not as important as that of the visitors. So below are photos including spectators having a great time. I invite everyone to draw their own conclusions. Hats off to the volunteers at Fort Randolph. The fort looked amazing and the history was first rate!

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