Nathan Jeffers/file photo

Pictured is Chief Cornstalk’s gravesite at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park.

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CHARLESTON — 2013 marks the 250th anniversary of Chief Cornstalk’s campaign, and plans for two events celebrating the historic time have been set.

The first free event, titled “The Roots of Un-civil War: The 250th Anniversary of Cornstalk’s Campaign,” will begin at 6 p.m. on March 14, in the Archives and History Library at the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, and will feature a presentation by Douglas McClure Wood.

Wood, a retired aquatic biologist and ecologist, has researched 18th century middle Appalachian cultures with a focus on American Indian cultures of the Ohio Valley Region since 1977, following his graduation from West Virginia University with a degree in Wildlife Management. Wood is also a living history character with the Humanities Council’s History Alive! program and currently portrays Ostenaco, a Cherokee military leader who fought for three years against the French during the French and Indian War.

In his presentation, Wood will focus on Cornstalk’s 1763 campaign in the context of the larger war, as well as the influence the campaign had on later Shawnee-Virginian relations and the evolution of Virginian fighting forces. As many local history buffs already know, Cornstalk was somewhat unknown to European Americans until this time when he became the leader of one of the most effective campaigns against the British colonies during Pontiac’s War. He was reported to be a brilliant military strategist, whose strategies later influenced another Shawnee named Tecumseh.

Those attending this event are also encouraged to register, but it is not required. To register in advance, contact Bobby Taylor, library manager, at Bobby.L.Taylor@wv.gov or at 304-558-0230, ext. 163. Those interested in registering by email should send their name, telephone number and the name and date of the session. For additional information, contact the Archives and History Library at 304-558-0230.

The second local event of the same name, as previously reported, will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on June 1, at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, and will portray the 250th Anniversary of Chief Cornstalk’s Campaign. Re-enactors will portray Shawnee women’s and men’s social roles, with a particular focus on Cornstalk’s sister, Nonhelema. There will also be a walk along the Riverfront Park floodwall and presentation of the Shawnee and Virginian history depicted in the frescos on the wall, as well as demonstrations on warrior/hunter skills and communication, trail food preparation, and long-distance traveling techniques.This event is also free and open to the public.

For more on this event, contact the park at tuendieweisp@wv.gov, or 304-675-0869.