Revolutionary War reenactors set up a military encampment at Morgan's Grove Park on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — “Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!” rang out across Morgan’s Grove Park on Saturday afternoon, near the conclusion of the 250th anniversary commemoration of the Bee Line March.

According to organizer Peter Smith, the day drew attendees from all over, including those from as far away as Florida and California, who came due to their descendance from some of the 98 men who marched the 600 miles from Shepherdstown to Cambridge, Mass. to join Gen. George Washington at his siege of Boston, in a record-breaking 25 days.

“This is the most Revolutionary War event of the town and of the whole county, really,” Smith said. “It’s an incredibly significant, historical event. It’s a great opportunity to remind people of the values and the people who founded this country.”

The 52 descendants in attendance were honored during a commemorative ceremony in the afternoon. Each descendant received a commemorative coin and woodcut print depicting the Bee Line March. New York City resident Tandy Meng, who recently discovered that one of her ancestors was Captain Hugh Stephenson — the leader of the Bee Line March’s Company of Riflemen, received the items.

“I love anniversaries, and marking the 250th anniversary will never happen again. I figured it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to come here today. It was also a great chance to meet other descendants of all these families who marched together,” Meng said. “It’s been fun.”

Pack Horse Ford Chapter NSDAR Regent Cindy Nicewarmer, right, recognizes Tandy Meng, left, as a descendant of the leader of the Bee Line March, Captain Hugh Stephenson, at Morgan's Grove Park on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

She noted the presence at the event of the 201st Field Artillery Regiment of the West Virginia National Guard, which traces its roots back to the Company of Riflemen and is the only active U.S. Army regiment derived from the original 10 companies of riflemen raised by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775.

“This is especially meaningful,” Meng said of the regiment’s attendance. “The Bee Line March was recognized as the birthplace of the Army.”

A number of activities were held at the park throughout the day, including: performances by the West Virginia University Mountaineer Fifes & Drums, 18th-century weaponry demonstrations, Revolutionary War reenactor encampments, 18th-century game playing and 18th century makeup demonstrations.

“Games from the past are not too different from what children play today, especially starting out. We have several games here that have developed into popular games like bowling, pick up sticks, badminton and checkers,” said Pack Horse Ford Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution member Allie Keesecker.

Her father, Marty Keesecker, is a past president of the General Adam Stephen Chapter, National Society Sons of the American Revolution. He could be found helping her demonstrate how to play some of the 18th-century games in their tent and serving as the event’s Color Guard commander.

Shepherdstown resident Sandy Brown, right, tosses a hoop to Nathaniel Meeker, by the historic games tent at Morgan's Grove Park on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

“Over the next year few years, there are going to be a plethora of events like this one,” Marty said, noting two more 250th anniversary commemorations for the Bee Line March will be held in Shepherdstown this summer, followed by celebrations next year around the country, commemorating America’s 250th birthday. “But the Bee Line March was unique, in that it was one of the opening events of the Revolutionary War — especially for this community.”

A family learns about how to load a rifle from a reenactor at Morgan's Grove Park on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston

The West Virginia University Mountaineer Fifes & Drums lead the procession from Morgan's Grove Park to Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday. Photo by Tabitha Johnston