Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : July 13, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Panther State Forest (304) 938-2252

Doug Wood to Perform at Panther State Forest
July 16, 2005

Visitors to Panther State Forest in McDowell County will be able to enjoy entertainment featuring Doug Wood as part of the West Virginia State Parks Summer Performers Series on July 16, 2005, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Doug Wood, an historical interpreter dressed in traditional attire, will present the story of Ostenaco, a Cherokee leader during the French and Indian War who assisted Virginia military leaders against northern tribes allied to the French. His leadership provided a much-needed Indian alliance for the British colonial settlements in much of present day West Virginia and beyond. Ostencao led the fight against Ohio Valley Indians who were allied with the French and attacking settlements in the areas of the Tygart Valley, Greenbrier River, and North and South Branches of the Potomac River. With Major Andrew Lewis he led an expedition against the Shawnee along the Big Sandy River area that ended in failure but forged a lasting friendship with Lewis. His allegiance with such Virginia leaders contributed significantly to the expansion of English-speaking peoples into what is now West Virginia.

Panther State Forest is located in the rugged mountains near the southern border of West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky. For a list of other performances scheduled for the Summer Performers Series, please visit www.wvstateparks.com. For more information about the Doug Wood performance or Panther State Forest, please call (304) 938-2252.

**DNR**