Rich Mountain

    In July of 2006, the Pumpkin Patch Mess had the pleasure of participating in the anniversary event at Rich Mountain, outside Beverly, West Virginia.  The unit portrayal was to be the 3 month 10^th Indiana Volunteers.  The PPM, being comprised of a good number of native Hoosier men, was asked to form the Color Guard.  

    The event organizers told us to come prepared and expect an authentic experience with a surprise or two along the way.  The march, which was the principal component of the event, traced nearly exactly the march route of the 10^th Indiana up Rich Mountain.  The column started off at 5:00 a.m., after a night of rain.  Despite the 3600 foot elevation and frequent rains, the terrain was fairly forgiving and all made it to the summit.  The chance for experimental archaeology came when we were notified that the packs we had dropped that morning would not be making their way up the mountain.  This was true of the 10^th Indiana in 1861 as well.  Despite the lack of dry clothes and any sort of bedding, the night was passed with cheer.  Those that were there through the end appreciated being put in a unique scenario that not only increased their knowledge of the soldiers craft, but made the event more fulfilling.

The color guard, composed of all Hoosiers, at Friday's Bttln. Parade.  PPM members were  J. Adams, S. Busenbark, D. Farley, A, Martin,  G. Runyon, J. Runyon, & W. Young.  Matt Rector  and Ken Callaway completed the Guard. (Photo by Eric Tipton)	The column a little over half way to the summit. (Photo by Eric Tipton)
The battalion line hacks through  the underbrush of Rich Mountain. (Photo by Eric Tipton)	Carving in a rock face in our Saturday evening camp. (Photo by Eric Tipton)

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