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November 4, 2009
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mayor Luther Lewallen
304-445-2916
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Alderson Joins
Multi-state Civil War Trails Program |
Alderson joins other sites in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland,
North Carolina and Tennessee in the Civil War Trails program. The
program, a partnership between the West Virginia Division of
Tourism and Civil War Trails Inc., identifies, interprets and
creates driving tours centered on Civil War sites and stories.
Alderson’s sign is located in Alumni Park. Alderson Main Street
members gathered information and provided photos and drawings for
the sign.
Currently, there are over 800 sites in the program and more than
2,000 map guides are downloaded weekly from the program’s Web
site, www.civilwartrails.org.
The sign in Alderson commemorates the ferry which was used by both
sides to cross the Greenbrier River. On June 22, 1862, for
example, 1600 Federal troops were ferried over the river at
Alderson’s Ferry on an expedition into Monroe County. Others using
the crossing included Union Captain William B. Harrison and
General (later President) Rutherford B. Hayes. Dr. Thomas G. Clay,
who owned the ferry at the time of the Civil War, was Alderson’s
first Doctor.
Mayor Luther Lewallen said, “In the past, Alderson has not
promoted its Civil War history. It served as a crossroads for both
Union and Confederate troops as they struggled for control of the
Greenbrier Valley. As we approach the 150th Anniversary of the
Civil War, I hope all citizens of this area will benefit from the
information provided on this sign and be encouraged to trace their
family connections to the conflict which resulted in the creation
of our state.”
Governor Joe Manchin praised this program and the opportunities it
will provide to promote West Virginia’s historical Civil War
sites. “The Civil War signage program is an excellent way to draw
more visitors to our state by promoting West Virginia’s unique
role in that conflict,” the governor said. “I support this
initiative and welcome everyone to discover the history behind the
birth of West Virginia as an independent state.”
The Civil War Trails program was recognized as one of the most
successful and sustainable heritage programs in the country by the
National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program is
administered by a nonprofit corporation and supported by local
communities, state tourism offices and state departments of
transportation. The Division of Tourism will pay for the purchase
and installation of the first 150 qualifying Civil War sites in
the state.
For more information on the sign in Alderson, call 304-445-2916.
For more information on what types of sites qualify for this
program and how to submit a Civil War site in or near your
community, contact Justin Gaull at 304-558-2288, ext. 385, or
e-mail jgaull@wvtourism.com.
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