Annual Civil War Program to Highlight Local Events and People By Michael C. Hardy John Preston Arthur wrote in 1915 "It would take several volumesÂ… to give the history of the troops sent from Watauga County into the Civil War." Part of today's Avery County was then a part of the counties of Watauga and Mitchell. But just how much truth was contained in Arthur's completed writing about the Civil War in our area? George Washington McGuire was one of the local soldiers that Arthur chose to highlight. McGuire served the Confederate cause during the war, rising to the rank of captain in the 11th Battalion North Carolina Home Guard. He was in charge of Camp Mast, located on Cove Creek, when the Federal troops, led by Captain James Champion, from Indiana, led a raiding party that surrounded the camp. Champion sent a demand of surrender to Captain McGuire. McGuire polled his men, and the majority voted to surrender. Arthur finished his account with "McGuire went onÂ… he rode with the [Federal] officers and never returned to this State." But, what is the real story? McGuire did return, fathered several more children, and is buried in the McGuire Cemetery in Avery County. In order to truly understand history, we must look beyond the accounts in history books. While books are important sources of information, many historians, including those much more respected than Arthur, have omitted or incorrectly chronicled pieces of our history in this region, and little-known stories, like the true story of Captain McGuire, are often forgotten. Stories like these, concerning other citizens of Watauga and Avery counties, will be featured and discussed at this weekend's 5th Annual Watauga County and the Civil War program, held at the Watauga County Public Library. Other program topics will include the location of the first Home Guard Camp, the death of Thomas Farthing, the Blalocks, the region's underground railroad, and Stoneman's Raid. Everyone is invited. There will be displays from 9:30 to 3:00 p.m., with an open discussion starting at 1:00. This program is free and is hosted by the Southern Appalachian Historical Interpreters Association. For more information, call 264-8784. _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com