Believe it or not, there are still a few people confused over whether Songer is located in West Virginia or western Virginia. Once and for all, we are in wild & wonderful West Virginia. And we celebrated it yesterday, June 20th – West Virginia Day.
West Virginia Day is the celebration of our state’s creation in 1863 during the heat of the Civil War. Coincidentally, the home of America’s best whitewater is also rich in Civil War history.
- The Battle of Carnifex Ferry took place on the rim of the Gauley River canyon near Pillow Rock rapid. (A reenactment takes place every year during the first weekend of Gauley Season.
- In retreat from their loss at Carnifex Ferry, the Confederate Army ferried across the Gauley River directly above Lost Paddle rapid and marched up the Meadow River corridor.
- Fayetteville repeatedly changed hands between the North and South, having four battles in town and more than 20 in Fayette County.
- Fayetteville is recognized as the first site of indirect artillery fire. After the war only four houses remained standing.
So the next time you are gearing up for Lost Paddle or strolling through Fayetteville, take a moment to check out the landmarks and historic areas nearby. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield is a good place to start.
