Battle Remembered:  Point Pleasant Battle Monument 100th Anniversary Interpretive Walks

            Join Park Ranger Doug Wiant for one of his interpretative “walk-and-talks” at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park in 2009. The battle monument at the park is 100 years old this year. The monument commemorates and stands as a reminder of The Battle of Point Pleasant that took place on this land on October 10, 1774, at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers in what is now West Virginia. 

            Special interpretative walks commemorating this time in history in 1909, as well as the battle that occurred in 1774, are scheduled on the following Saturdays: June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, August 8 and 22, and October 10. There is no charge. 

            The program begins at 1 p.m. and attendees should meet at the front entrance of Tu-Endie-Wei State Park 15 minutes prior.  The program begins on time, weather permitting.  “Generally if attendees show, we go on the hour, unless there is severe weather,” says Wiant.

            “Attendees will receive a certificate of participation at the conclusion of the interpretative walk,” explains Wiant. “The certificate features an image of the monument and acknowledges folks who came for my walk to learn more about the history of West Virginia and this park.

            “Additionally, we plan to send a commemorative coin to each person who attends one of my walks since this is a special year at the park. I’ll be maintaining a roster of folks who attend this interpretative program and, in November during Veteran’s Day week, we’ll send a coin to each attendee who provided an address. It’s a way of thanking people for visiting Point Pleasant and learning about the battle fought here.” 

            Wiant, like other state parks superintendents and rangers, recognizes interpretation as an important aspect of the West Virginia State Park system. “Parks are for people and we sure try to make visits to our areas welcoming and fun. And sometimes fun happens to include learning a little more about our state and our history and surroundings.” 

            Groups are welcome. Groups exceeding 10 or more should call in advance, if possible. Bus groups or school groups desiring this interpretative program on other dates or during the month of September are encouraged to call at least three weeks in advance to make arrangements. There is no charge for group tours, but tours must be scheduled in advance.

            Tu-Endie-Wei State Park is located in west central W.Va. Point Pleasant lies one mile north of the junction US 35 and WV 2 or at the intersection of WV routes 62 and 2 in Mason County. The park itself is just west of this intersection at #1 Main Street and is a day-use park.

            For more information about Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, go online at www.tu-endie-weistatepark.com, email tuendiewei@wvdnr.gov, or call 304-675-0869.