French and Indian War 250th Commemorative Year June 29 at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park

            Cherokee war gangs that traveled the Ohio River War Road, terrorizing the French and their allied American Indians, return Sunday, June 29, to make history come alive at Blennerhassett Island State Park near Parkersburg in Wood County.  This year is being commemorated as the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War in the Ohio Valley with a reenactment program presented by Trails, Inc.

            Cherokee commanders Ostenaco and Oconostota led raids along the Ohio River to the vicinity of Fort Duquesne 250 years ago in 1758. During this reenactment the public can interact with costumed history interpreters who will shed new light on the alliance formed between the colony of then Virginia and the Cherokees to oust the French from the Ohio Valley. 

            There is no charge to attend these programs, which will be staged within sight of the landing point on the island. Scheduled activities and presentations about the French and Indian War include:

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Warriors’ camp living history demonstrations.

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Focus on prisoners and their fates.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Warrior hike.

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Warriors’ camp (ongoing while some folks hike).

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
“Virginia,” a West Virginia Humanities Council History Alive! presentation of Cherokee Commander Outacite Ostenaco.

            For additional information about the island, the Blennerhassett Mansion, activities, and museum and island hours, contact Blennerhassett Island State Park at (304) 420-4800 or go online to www.wvstateparks.com and click on Blennerhassett Island