June, 1863: A young brigadier general is assigned to the command of scattered units of Yankee infantry in the new state of West Virginia. General William Woods Averell converts these forces into a highly effective mobile brigade that protects West Virginia’s boundaries and conducts raids against Confederate infrastructure.
"Averell Crossing Craig's Creek" by Nick Korolev
The documentary film, Averell’s Raiders & the 35th Star, recounts the Federal army’s role in securing the state of West Virginia during the first two fragile years of statehood. It follows the campaigns of Brigadier General William Woods Averell through that time period.
Averell’s Raiders tells a story previously unknown by most West Virginians. We hear of Stonewall Jackson, John Mosby, and Jeb Stuart; yet few know of the heroics and success of the Union Cavalry after its formation in the new state of West Virginia. Averell's Brigade was extremely well known in January of 1864...in fact, Averell was the toast of Washington D.C. after the heroic Salem Raid. His reputation was maligned, however, as he ran afoul of Generals Hooker, Hunter, and Sheridan.
Once Averell took command of the 4th Separate Brigade in the spring of 1863, Confederates never again had success in threatening the new state. In fact, they feared the next advance of Averell’s force toward southern infrastructure.
Impact of the war war on civilian populations is one focus of this film, more than specific battle strategy.
Primary source voices along with well-known contemporary historians tell the story.
Statehood in Peril 8:30
The 35th Star 4:59
Averell’s Mission 3:08
Battle of the Law Books 7:55
Droop Mountain 7:56
Salem Raid 16:50 (Part One current total time 53:49)
Intermission (for theatrical use) 10:00
The Chilling Pursuit 12:43
Only the Mountains Remember 10:27
The Hunter Raid 12:58
Camp Averell 7:25 (Part Two current total time 51:24)
Theatrical version contains a 2 minute prelude and a 10 minute intermission.