Battle of Big Bethel: A Game of Civil War Strategy with Paul Knight

On June 10, 1861, the Battle of Big Bethel, the earliest land battle of the Civil War, was fought in Virginia. Now, on July 10, 2024, historian Paul Knight will lead a battlefield game to teach about Civil War history and to give participants an opportunity to play a game of strategic thinking. Decisions will need to be made, as battle lines are drawn. Come learn a new game and explore how the generals made their decisions at the Battle of Big Bethel. You'll be the general! It's like a Risk game based in the Civil War, and you are in charge. Open to all.

Paul Knight's interest in history began early, as his mother taught history and he won an award in high school for his excellence in history.  He has an ancestor who was married to Col. Ethan Allen of the Green Mountain Boys and a Revolutionary War hero, three great great uncles in the Civil War and his father fought as a seaman in WW2.  Paul started teaching history as a Civil War reenactor then through running historical games at national and local gaming conventions.  HMGs in Lancaster Pa. Guns of August and Williamsburg Muster in Virginia. He also was a founding member of the Old Dominion Military Society.  He has created this Civil War game as a way to teach history, strategy,  and critical thinking while having fun.