By BETTY?POKAS, Times Leader Area Editor
IN SEPTEMBER of 1782, an event occurred in Wheeling that none of us remember, but the battle which happened that year lives on — in the pages of history and a reenactment at Oglebay Park.
Reenactors such as Sue Weigand of Martins Ferry and author Alan Fitzpatrick of Benwood are among those involved in planning the activities planned for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4-5.
A teenager who later moved to the Martins Ferry area played a major role in activities during the Battle of Fort Henry on Sept. 11, 1782. Elizabeth Zane, usually called Betty or Betsy, once was called “the foremost American heroine” by President Theodore Roosevelt.
During that long-ago battle, 260 Indians and 40 British soldiers were involved in the siege of Fort Henry. When gunpowder ran low in the fort, Betty was among those who volunteered to run for the gunpowder stored at Col. Ebenezer Zane’s house.
Reportedly not a shot was fired at her on initial trip, but when she returned to the fort, bullets whizzed by her head. She escaped injury.
Other activities such as an encampment, music, demonstrations, an 18th century church service and featured speakers are scheduled.
Interested persons still may join in the upcoming September activities as a reenactor or in a support role. Anyone wishing to participate or needing more information about Fort Henry Days may contact Weigand at (740) 635-9240 or by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.org.
AN INDIAN on the run is among the past participants in the upcoming Fort Henry Days.