The School of the Longhunter: Reliving the 1700's

Join Peter on his immersive journey to Pricket's Fort in West Virginia for the School of the Longhunter. This episode captures the essence of the 18th-century frontiersman experience, showcasing the vibrant camp life, enlightening classes, and soulful evenings filled with traditional music. Follow along as Peter tags with expert historian Larry Spisak for an engaging tour of the fort, where Larry delves into captivating historical details and stories. Whether you're a history buff or simply love adventure, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the past, bringing history to life in an engaging and educational way.
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📺 Featuring: Peter Kelly
🎥 Cinematography, Production & Editing: Catherine Wolfe
🎵 Music Courtesy Of: Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald
Thumbnail and description: Shane Kelly
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#forts #blacksmith #HistoricalDIY #AmericanHistory #ColonialHistory #EarlySettlers #SelfSufficiency #Homesteading #LivingHistory #canadianhistory

[@SveninColorado]

Listening to the Canadian Geese honking at the beginning immediately had me hooked. Memories of sitting in makeshift hunt blinds along the St. Vrain River; watching and listening for the rising flocks on cold Autumn mornings, we hoped for a flight to come our way.... This was back in the late 1970's and early 1980's before most all of these lands have turned into modern suburbs. Ceran and Marcellin St. Vrain were French traders. They worked with William Bent, who built an adobe fort on the eastern plains of what is now the State of Colorado. The St. Vrain brothers were connected to the the 1804-1806 Louis and Clark Expedition. I like to think that hunting along these waters, we were following in the footsteps of those early trappers and traders. Peter, thanks for all that you do to keep our early settlement history alive!

[@bilbobaggins7467]

One of the best comments I've heard I a while,melancholic and real...nice comment.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I thank you for sharing the story, you actually had me there in spirit!

[@wadeschwartz6281]

Soul stirring tunes and stories ,,,but somewhat sad as Americans have lost ,, for the most part ,,that frontier courage .

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

They are indeed,but I think the spirit in many still remains.

[@heatherschneider6334]

Thank you for featuring the School of the Longhunter in your video, Peter! For anyone interested, The School of the Longhunter will be held April 10-13, 2025 at Pricketts Fort in Fairmont, WV. Fairmont is located about 15 minutes south of Morgantown.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It was my pleasure and I’d like to thank you and Heather for your dedication to the fort and the hobby of living history.

[@douglasgatian1401]

Always love the history. My father's family is from Morgantown Wva. Need to visit that area to visit the fort and find my grandfathers grave who died in a coal mine at 23 when Dad was just 5. Hope to see a strong gathering at the Kelly's fort in the future!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Interesting family history. We have a wee bit of help on the way.

[@donaldrauscher1703]

It was good to meet you Peter. We didn't get a chance to talk it was a very busy weekend. We had a great time as always. I hope to see you their next year.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wild horses couldn’t keep away. It was my pleasure to meet you, sir.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Appreciate the shoutout, Peter! It was so good to see you again. This is a great video as always!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Any time my friend. I find your content fascinating. I’ll be holding you to that trek in September 2025. I start a group with those interested and it will allow a format to work out the logistics.

[@marieleopold1625]

JEEPERS! The like of your 'time' Peter, are beginning to swell in numbers. People who appreciate the 'fact' that yesteryear was work, but also the purest of joys in a life that had true 'meaning'. This was very enjoyable and I thank the fine hands of Empress Catherine for artfully capturing this journey. Your summer moccasins look very dapper. I wonder how many pair can be made from one hide? The ignorant take walks in nature (such as myself) and then...the 'homesteader-types' look at everything around them for 'potential use'. I think it might be a bit harder for 'your kind' to simply 'chill' in nature. LOL! "Sometimes neither a friend nor a psychologist can enter the depths of your soul, but only the flames of a candle or a fireplace." (Mehmet Murat ildan). Health and blessings, dear ones! :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Marvelous quote. I can stare at a fire for hours and not see or hear anything but the fire. How many moccasins from a Buffalo hide, I’d say literally dozes. Cathy can make even my footage look good, lol.

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Hey Peter! WOW! Simply WOW! What a time to live & how brave were the folks who lived on the frontier! WOW! I'm looking forward to Part 2!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@elwoodtaylor1092]

wonderful history lesson

[@ryanstottlemyer5698]

Looks like you had a wonderful time!!! The wife and I went to the market fair at Fort Frederick and Big pool Maryland, beautiful old French and Indian stone Fort. They had excellent artisans and craftsman. We are going to colonial Williamsburg tomorrow morning and we are very excited. Been there many times but never gets old.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I did indeed. Only been to Williamsburg once, many years ago, but loved it.

[@JamesSmith-is7co]

I do love West Virginia!! Just spent a fortnight out camping her hills and rivers! Glad ye made it to visit and hope you do so again!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is beautiful. In my younger years I rock climbed a lot at Seneca Rock and New River Gorge.

[@mattshoaff1]

It was great to meet and talk to you there. Can't Wait to see you again next year. It was one of the best camps.I've ever been to.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks! You too!

[@claudeoverstreet8791]

Wonderful seeing you and so many others again. It’s gotten to be a reunion with many, complete with bear hugs and hearty backslaps. So happy to see you people getting into this hobby! Until next year…

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Yes! Thank you!

[@stevenshanofski6801]

Looks like a great time. Beautiful countryside. Thanks for taking us along!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Our pleasure!

[@gregorypennell1755]

Outstanding presentation, Peter! Your videography makes me want to go change into my frontier attire and clean one of my flintlocks while re-watching this episode! Bravo!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That’s hilarious. I certainly appreciate your interest in our endeavour .

[@Eyepealer]

Wow Peter, what a grand experience. History in real time!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed it is!

[@8626John]

Another excellent video. Mr. Spisak, like yourself, is a wealth of information. I'm glad to see your subscriber numbers growing. You and Cathy put out some of the best content on KZbin.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

So nice of you to say.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

What wonderful and historical and interesting Fun! History in the books is interesting but the personal stories are even better, right from the horses mouth. Those letters and diaries from our ancestors are the very best. Those many many lives that make up the amazing stories of the joys and hardships and the reason for our lives of today. Thanks be to all those people of the past, the Indigenous as well as the Pioneers! Kind Thanks and Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I totally agree!

[@deniscaron1306]

Thanks for the 2024 tour of the school! Glad you had a good time and safely made it back to Station!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You should put it on your list for next year.

[@deniscaron1306]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I will. Do they already have the date? To bad this year I was already booked for this fingerweaving workshop...

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

@@deniscaron1306 Have to get back to you.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

Appreciate your efforts and dedication! Would love to make the trip someday. Great bit of history. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for watching!you’d not be disappointed. Watch yer top knot.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

Thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’re most welcome, thanks for watching.

[@wootang9292]

Great video Peter! We had a great time sharing stories and Being spoiled by Bruce and Lisa's delicious food! Larry is a real treasure! I love the footage you got of me cutting up that very harsh and strong tobacco. That was a rough smoke! 😆 Can't wait to see you next year! -Bill

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks Bill and until next year, take care. Oh yeah, stay away from Wyoming the winter.

[@JanTrewhitt]

Oh, I enjoyed this video so much!! I can only imagine how much you enjoyed being there! Blessings.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is an amazing event. One to have on your list of things to do if your passion is history.

[@williamqueen8790]

I was born and raised in southern West Virginia and lived there till I was 32. I go back home at least 2times a year, one time is to get Ramps that will be the 10 of May.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I absolutely love the state!

[@the18thcenturygardener57]

Lovely memories of a lovely time spent with lovely folks.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed!

[@jamesmetzler2031]

Exceptional! I always enjoy these historical videos.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We thank you for your interest.

[@randybrown140]

I find it a very peaceful time watching your stories, THANK YOU 😁

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you like them!

[@rogerclyde2720]

How wonderful and so fun is this episode, the American Continent is so blessed with such a rich heritage. Presentation was awesome. Gotta get me one of them thar Colonial Pipes!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed!

[@daveslaughter8290]

Very nice. I was glad to see some younger folks in the early part of the clip. I live in Montana and the mountain men were by and large very young. Probably much of the frontier was like that. I bicycle up an old stage route known as “old woman’s grave road.” The grave in question holds Charity Dillon ( probably an alias - the song “ What was your name in the States” has some truth) who ran an inn there. She was 32 when she died in 1872. Though Boone, Bridger and Kenton lived a long life I suspect that was not the norm, and I worry that young people today don’t have the same fascination with this historical period as previous generations. Thanks for promoting this era.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sadly I believe you’re right about the younger folks, but I remain optimistic as I’m seeing a slow resurgence. Great story, thanks for sharing.

[@jackcook8613]

Thanks for another great video, Peter

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Very welcome

[@robdixon7732]

So disappointed I wasn't able to go, but definitely next year!

[@JeffGloverArts]

Outstanding! Thank you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You're very welcome!

[@chriskincaid6035]

Thank You ...

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for watching.

[@jeffgrier8488]

That was a fantastic video, thanks for taking the time to make it!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikesherman4565]

It was a grand video thank you

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@hillbillybub6306]

This place is right in my back yard and I'm never able to get there for one reason or another. Lord willing and the crick don't rise I'll be there next year.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’ll not be disappointed!

[@rickcooper6817]

What a step back in time. That made me feel like I was actually part of the festivities. I'm sure you felt like you were transported back to that time period, actually being there in the commons and listening to the music. Everyone relaxing, talking and having a smoke. I looked up Pricket's Fort and I'm only a few hours away, this will definitely be on my trip list. Thanks so much this video Mr. Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Well said, it is definitely worth a visit … great site, great people!

[@lancehenderson7249]

Great video Peter and Kathy, never knew anything about this. So much of our past seems to be disappearing. Take care and keep your powder dry

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

😊 Thanks. Watch yer top knot!

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Very interesting and informative vid ! Thank you, I appreciate it a lot 👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY United States of America my friend and everyone else

[@deb1120]

This was wonderful! 😍😍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you!! 😊

[@hayward434]

Creating a high-quality video such as this requires a combination of creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail.

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Thanks to Cathy 😄😂

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That would be Cathy’s magic!

[@smoothvern165]

That was incredibly interesting! It was great listening to the guy telling the story in the cemetery! Excellent video!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it. Larry’s knowledge of the local history is amazing.

[@drunknnirish]

I found your channel via Alex and I have really come enjoy both channels very very much. I am in the Ohio river valley so this time period really hits home for me.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Welcome aboard! Alex’s content is awesome.

[@throwback336]

That wasn't just a wee bit of history. That was a whole lotta history. Before I was married and became a dairy farmer I use to do CW reenacting. I always wanted to get into the colonial reenacting but I think that ship has sailed for me. I've often thought of building a cabin, such as yours, and having a night here and there but it's the camaraderie that I'd miss. I loved the music, dancing and fireside chats. I get great enjoyment out of yours and other channels. Thanks for posting Pete!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You hit the nail on the head when you refer to the camaraderie, some of the very best people are into the hobby. Thanks for your interest.

[@MoePoe777]

That was an interesting gathering. The evening gathering video was very nicely done. The first white lady to cross the Alleghenies and her family history was cool to learn. I bet Peter was quite enthralled with the living history at such a historical place. I worked in Pittsburgh, PA and traveled that area a lot. It's beautiful country.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it and I was captivated by the whole event.

[@richardofsylmar]

That was a real treat. Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ianandresen2326]

That certainly looked like fun! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for watching!

[@larryreese6146]

Enjoyed it, Peter. Thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Very welcome

[@davebarr9378]

great video. very interesting commentary. thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@deanjernstrom3760]

That was a great back in time. Some day, I've got to get out to a event such as that . Outstanding. Thanks for the trip.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You should, it is a very educational event if you’ve a passion for history.

[@wowbagger3505]

Let me recommend a cemetery to visit on the way next year. West Liberty Cemetery in West Liberty and the final resting place of many Revolutionary War veterans. Two others are the Short Creek Methodist Church Cemetery on Short Creek and the Wilson Cemetery up on the bluffs of the Ohio River north of Warwood.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I thank you for the recommendation and I’ll be adding it to my list.

[@robertcurns3845]

great as always. wished for years to get there,,,,,,,,,,

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’ll not be disappointed.

[@user-zy7ed9sc3g]

Very interesting...I believe in past life

[@NW_Ranger]

Thank You, Sir!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And I thank you for your interest.

[@kellydietz6720]

That was great you guys . I miss reenactments

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Kelly. The best thing about re-enactments is the people!

[@tropifiori]

Looks like fun I am in SW Virginia and will try to visit

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’ll not be disappointed.

[@kingrafa3938]

Good to hear the history of the Fort.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Larry sure knows the local history.

[@jdog881688]

As usual, enjoyed the video of the tour of Pricket’s Fort and the history lesson by Larry. Thanks for sharing Peter. All the best! Cheers!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thedeerskindiary]

I am always impressed at your ability to make this look so easy.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I fumble along my friend, it’s Cathy who really works the magic.

[@MelanieSawyerForager]

I really enjoyed this!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnlea8519]

What a fantastic place and such interesting people, in a couple of weeks I hope to be moving into a late 1700s house unfortunately its in England but in the beautiful Scottish border country.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Sounds perfect!

[@heru-deshet359]

I have to visit.

[@claytoncooper422]

Excellent !

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@stevenbp101]

Always a pleasure seeing your videos. Thanks Peter. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

My pleasure, old fellow!

[@ic984]

Great to meet you Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And you, sir!

[@eugenejung4808]

I hope to attend this next year!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Look forward to meeting you.

[@donnanorman340]

It was very interesting and informative as usual, but you had me doubting myself on what day it was. You are my calendar. I thought that I missed most of the week. 😆 I had to double check what day it was. 😆 Can't go messing with a senior mind Peter.🤪🙃 See you Friday. 🫡 💛 from 🇨🇦

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You will indeed see another this a Friday and I’m flattered by your comments.

[@jellybryce7742]

wonderful video!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you very much!

[@beverlymichael5830]

What a great time that must have been. Enjoyed the young man playing the bones. I play bones. My bones are from Ireland. Made by a gentleman who takes great care making them. I made a pair and it is a lot of work to make them but fun doing it.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It was indeed. I need to research these bones a wee bit and perhaps make a pair.

[@beverlymichael5830]

@@TheWoodlandEscape that are fun to play. It looks east but it does take a lot of practice. I went to the local beef processor and they gave me an entire side of cow ribs. Then I picked the area to find enough for two of the right size. Shape and thickness. Cut them. But lots of boiling and then sanding. You would have fun making a pair.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

@@beverlymichael5830 So cool! Might have to give it a go.

[@mattshoaff1]

Hi Peter. Hope all is well. I want to thank you for setting a fire under my butt. Since I talked to you, I have been researching my relatives who were in the french and indian and the Revolutionary War.thank you again.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That is great… perhaps someday you’ll share some of your stories.

[@ohiorusty4982]

Amazing video !!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you!

[@williamqueen8790]

Awesome video

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@germansahidbeltranardila2985]

Huuuuyyyyyyyyyyyy huuuufffffffffffff el mejor video q le he visto

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That’s a compliment, thank you.

[@65stang98]

dang im right across the river from wv in ohio id love to do something like that one day soon.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’d not be disappointed.

[@dannycarpenter4334]

very good peter

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Always wanted to do that event. Unfortunately, my caregiver duties prohibit overnight stays now. Day treks or hunts are difficult enough.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I admire your professionalism!

[@SirFrederick]

Hope you can come to New England Someday.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Hope to get down there next year.

[@cavemanbushcraftsurvival6736]

U met a friend of mine at prickets fort Steve Lubanovic

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Yes I did and you sir have a gem of a friend!

[@cavemanbushcraftsurvival6736]

Thanks buddy the fort is starting to look good can't wait to see it all done but I know you got a long ways to go and a lot more logs to do

[@lae52]

Any thoughts on doing a video of your summer moccasins? They look interesting. Thanks for covering the School of the Longhunter. I would love to attend someday.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for the idea! I should have filmed the construction. Perhaps this winter when I need inside projects.

[@stephenfields6236]

I hope this group will soon be able to visit your fort for a long weekend event . You may need to build a larger structure to accommodate the crowds!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The more the merrier … the door is open and the fire burning.

[@user-by4xk5kp1z]

A very Ince and interesting Video of this Time , very very nice 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you very much!

[@dianenorkus9906]

Will you be at Martin Station again this year? Planning on attending and hanging with the surveyor company.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m afraid not, I’ll be at a wedding in Missouri.

[@dianenorkus9906]

@@TheWoodlandEscape I think I know where you're going.

[@paul329]

Was that Mr. Townsend eating?

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Pete you try our old minds putting a video in the middle of the week LOL Want make this one next year. I will give you a call and talk about it. Great video Peter be safe out there.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’ll not be disappointed.

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Anyone can go do you have to be invited or sign up fill out application and pay the fees????

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

@@lawrencekeller6029 There is a modest fee, but sign up early, numbers are limited.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

@@lawrencekeller6029 Anyone,but sign up early.

[@lawrencekeller6029]

@@TheWoodlandEscape so when does next years sign up start???? do you know?

[@Ilikeit616]

Howdy Peter Mr. Spisak said that there were " look outs " on the Indian trails and would have an alarm in case of Indians ..... What would they use ? they are way in the woods and other were so far away ... and no WIFI !! lol .... I'm curious they just send someone running? Love this video you did.... That Fort is awesome . Is that building were the music was playing original?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The building is reconstructed and yes, runners were commonly used. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewryder70]

Great video as always, also do you know where to buy late 18th century and early 19th century clothing online? Along with gear like belts and such.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Google 18th century reproduction clothes. There are many, like Sampson Historical and Townsends.

[@citomp1240]

Wish I knew ahead of time this was going on in my state I would have went.

[@heatherschneider6334]

School of the Longhunter will be held April 10-13 2025. Join us!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m in if you’ll have me again.

[@charliemcelwain8874]

I live in West Virginia descendent of Zackary Morgan

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’ve some historical blood in your veins. By all accounts he was a great man.

[@raymondhill7636]

I think that I'm related to Issac Hill who is buried there at Prickertt's Fort. Believe that I come across his name.when researching my family history.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Marvelous to have known family history back that far.

[@raymondhill7636]

Thank you Peter. I've always had a longing to learn more about the Fur Trade Era than what I was taught in school, maybe if Issac Hill is a relative that maybe the source. Always felt that I was born 200 years too late, born in 1955. Also my family hails from West Virginia. As far as I know they have been there since 1750s

[@alpetterson9452]

To be fair, David Morgan was on Indian ground. Not the other way around.

[@whiskeymonk4085]

Contested ground owned by the victor.

[@02Crimson]

16:48 a bottle of Ros`e?

[@glenmacneill6935]

Most importantly, did you pick up recipes for how they made whisky!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Oh my,I already versed in it, lol!

[@Patricia-iq1nw]

❤😊

[@bilbobaggins7467]

Should be a heavy shroud of pipe tobacco smoke in the air around the violinist......aah I can almost smell it.... the dried onion, garlic, hanging from the rafters ,the spilt ale premeateing from the oak flooring...and yes " the odor of salt pork,fish and venison....yep you can see your breath in the cold room until you get fireside,hence the heavy garb worn by the patrons of of this wonderful refuge ,amidst the howling unforgiving wilderness.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You sir have summed up the entire atmosphere of an 18th century tavern!

[@paulfrizzell31]

👍

[@bradmassey3849]

We have Daniel Morgan square in Sc are they related?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I don’t know I’m afraid.

[@jtsterry]

❤😊😊

[@lundysden6781]

this should be required material in the elementary schools!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m flattered, thank you.

[@edwardkoonce3060]

Wado!