Belington Purchases Lauel Hill Battlefield Camp
By Lynne Snyder

December 31, 2003: Belington, W.Va. — The celebration of the exchange of property from Griffith's Farm to the City of Belington was well represented by a composite attendance of city officials, county commission, state leadership, and local individuals at the Gathering Room, above Belington City Hall on Monday, December 22, 2003.

The afternoon reception featured a buffet, catered by Masterpiece Inc. and was served to the guests prior to the official ceremony. Accepting a representative payment, presented by a member of the Laurel Mountain Reenactment Foundation, Lynne Snyder, treasurer, was Al Griffith, property owner of the Laurel Hill Battlefield.

Stating that he was not a public speaker, Mr. Griffith simply said, "Thank you" as he accepted the check. Mrs. Griffith was in attendance, but was called away prior to the formalities.

Speakers that followed were Sen. Jon Blair Hunter; Del. Mary Poling; Hunter Lesser, author; Phil Hart, President of Barbour County Commission; Larry Carpenter, Mayor of Belington; and Lars Byrne, member of the West Virginia Civil War Sites Task Force.

Each recapped their association with the project that has been in the works since 1996. Larry Corley and Kathy Hart, originators of the project, approached Sen. Hunter in his Morgantown office, at the beginning of his tenure, with the request to secure monies to acquire the property and it went from there to the resulting grant from T-21 funds by the State of West Virginia.

Del. Poling arrived on the scene a few years later and assisted in securing Budget Digest money for the production of the Battle of Laurel Hill Reenactment which has been held on the property, with the approval of the Griffiths, each year for the past seven years.

The first to acquire the Budget Digest appropriation was the late Rick Everson. He and Eddy Canterbury, along with Joe Mataliano were strong supporters of the undertaking at the onset.

Another contributing source has been the Benedum Foundation which provided the matching funds required to meet the T-21 necessities. Many unsung heroes are a part of this endeavor. They are responsible for promoting the historic value of this land and the surrounding area.

Over the years, a multitude of people have served in the volunteer capacity of encouraging attendance at the reenactment. Those mentioned in attendance at the party included:

Red Payne, Distinguished Mountaineer and Vice President of the Belington Convention and Visitors Bureau, who worked tirelessly in many capacities in this community and is a valuable asset to the City of Belington.

Aaron Cross, West Point Cadet and past chairperson of the Battle of Laurel Hill reenactment, with his legendary achievements, should be noted for his leadership in this event, and

Alex McLean, another participant in the first reenactment who was also present. Alex could be found dancing to the square dances during the Civil War Ball.

Prominent attendees include the representation of Belington City Council: Odbert Ware, Denzil Thompson, and Charlie Bartlett. Not present, but cheered for all of her efforts in accomplishing this fete, was Kathy Hart. Mrs. Hart worked diligently and tirelessly for the promotion of this project and steers the helm of the Belington CVB as president.

Some who coordinated the grant for the duration was Harold Simmons, West Virginia Division of Highways. His careful direction aided in keeping the project moving through the necessary channels.

Now, as all requirements have been met, the City of Belington assumes ownership of the 50 acres of camp and battlefield at the beginning of the new year.