He may not have the name recognition of fellow Virginians-turned-Revolutionary-era heroes George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, but in Salem, Gen. Andrew Lewis is nothing short of a founding father.
In June of 1775, Lewis 鈥 who led western Virginia鈥檚 militia in its fight to secure frontier settlements 鈥 helped drive Lord Dunmore, Virginia鈥檚 final royal governor, from Williamsburg. That act of resistance was a major feat in Virginia鈥檚 Revolutionary transformation, and it鈥檚 exactly the spirit Salem is channeling 2 1/2 centuries later.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, visitors are invited to commemorate the 250th anniversary of a pivotal moment in America鈥檚 path to independence during Andrew Lewis Weekend. Hosted by the , the event is part of , celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Reliving history
During Andrew Lewis Weekend, living historians will bring Colonial life to the lawn of the Salem Museum. At the free, family-friendly event, attendees can try on garments, handle tools and interact with materials resembling those of Revolutionary-era Virginia.
Educational components will include living historians, including Gen. Lewis, and the unveiling of a new VA250 exhibit titled 鈥淪alem鈥檚 Hidden Hero: Andrew Lewis and the Revolutionary War.鈥
Garrett Channell, executive director of the Salem Museum, will portray Lewis during the event. He said that visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how Salem played a key role in shaping a new nation.
鈥淎ndrew Lewis is our local Colonial hero,鈥 Channell said. 鈥淎ll the land that is today Salem once belonged to Andrew Lewis. He played a pivotal role in creating our country and in Virginia being a lynchpin in the movement for American independence.鈥
Salem on center stage
The Salem Museum鈥檚 blast from the past isn鈥檛 the only attraction during Andrew Lewis Weekend. The event will also highlight the many attractions of Historic Downtown Salem.
Located just steps from the Salem Museum and easily accessible via Interstate 81, Salem鈥檚 designated historic district invites visitors to explore on foot. The walkable downtown features charming boutiques, a variety of dining options 鈥 from casual sandwiches to upscale steakhouses 鈥 and two cozy, well-appointed boutique hotels.
For those looking for an outdoor adventure, Salem is close to the Appalachian Trail. One spot of note is McAfee Knob, which has access points within a 15-minute drive of Salem. With its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains, McAfee Knob has become one of the most photographed destinations on the entire mountain range.
鈥淚t鈥檚 great that people are drawn to the Salem Museum and our local history,鈥 said Carey Harveycutter, the city鈥檚 director of tourism. 鈥淏ut while you鈥檙e here, you may as well acquaint yourself with everything Salem has to offer. You can shop, dine, hike or float down the river.
鈥淥nce people visit and experience our city, they see how much there is to it when you really explore, and they keep coming back.鈥
To learn more, please visit .
