Photo by Rachel Lane Kody Reed, 15, used a piece of flint and steel to create a spark. Blowing on the dry fibers, ignites it into a fire, which he used to light a candle, burn a string, and set off a trap at the Rendezvous on the River.

PARKERSBURG — The 1840s came alive during the 19th annual Rendezvous on the River on Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.

About 50 people associated with the West Virginia Muzzleloaders camped on the island for five days from last Tuesday through Saturday, said Linda Reed, chairperson for Rendezvous on the River. The group tries to keep any modern items hidden from public sight as visitors tour the island.

“There’s a living history. We get to show children what history used to be about,” said Patty Hughes of Charleston. “There’s a true honor to walk through history. Not everyone gets to do it.”

She started attending re-enactments about 20 years ago with her family.

“We represent traditional mountaineer women,” she said. “The women were survivors, too... They usually wore their father’s or brother’s old clothing.”

Hughes and her sister, Kelly Hughes of Charleston, make much of their clothing for the re-enactments.