Photos by David Horton
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The life and times of Mary Draper Ingles was celebrated in fine fashion over the weekend, with three days of events held in Radford and Pulaski County.
Ingles was born in Philadelphia and she and her family traveled down the great Valley of Virginia, settling in Draper’s Meadow, now known as Blacksburg. In 1755 Native Americans attacked Ingles’s settlement, and she and other family members were taken to Ohio. She later escaped and walked hundreds of miles back to her home on the New River, later moving to what is now west Radford, on the banks of the New River.
The July 26- 28 festival had events at Glencoe Mansion, Long Way Brewing, Ingles Tavern, La Riviere, also known as Ingles Castle, and at Wilderness Road Regional Museum in Dublin. There was also a meet and greet with Mary Draper Ingles descendants and reenactment actors at the Highlander Hotel. The festival’s three days featured more than 75 activities, including old-time crafts and skills, art exhibits, vendors and a petting zoo. Long Way Brewing showcased live music, historical dancers, food trucks, a children’s play zone, and a short reenactment of the Ingles play, “Long Walk to Freedom,” featuring Radford University and local actors.
Ingles Tavern and La Riviere, which was built by Mary’s great-grandson, were open for tours. Wilderness Road Regional Museum sponsored 18th century living history interpretations by the Fincastle Company and music.
Staff report
