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General Description: The battlefield at Rich Mountain is contained in a 40 acre tract. This parcel was purchased by the CWPT in June of 1992, at the request of a local preservation organization. The Rich Mountain Battlefield includes parking, trails, and interpretive markers. Civil War History: Union success at Rich Mountain would lead Major General George B. McClellan to the command of the Army of the Potomac. McClellan, however, had little to do with the victory. In June of 1861, Confederate attempts to maintain control of northwestern Virginia, present-day West Virginia, failed. Union troops forced the Confederates, under Colonel Robert S. Garnett, to fall back. The Confederates positioned themselves along two major roadways. A position at Laurel Hill gave them control of a road connecting Grafton and Lewisburg. The remainder of the force occupied Camp Garnett, at the western base of Rich Mountain. 1,300 men under Lt. Col. John Pegram controlled an east-west road called the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. Pegram, fearing a Union flank attempt, sent two companies to serve as an outpost where the Turnpike crossed the summit of the mountain, near the Hart Homestead. On the morning of July 11, reinforcements were sent to this position upon word that the enemy was moving. The force totaled 310 men and one cannon, under the command of Capt. Julius A. DeLangel. The Union troops were moving, not under the command of General McClellan, but led by Brigadier General William S. Rosecrans. McClellan, showing his timid nature, did not want to make a frontal assault. With the aid of David Hart, a loyal Unionist and resident of the Hart Homestead, Rosecrans and his force of 1,917 men attempted to flank their enemy. Due to delays, the Union troops did not engage Confederate skirmishers until 2:30 P.M. Union troops advanced within 350 yards of the Confederate position, causing the Confederates to withdraw across the road. They abandoned their defenses, seeking cover on the north side of the Turnpike. With the aid of their cannon, the Confederates were able to halt the first series of Union attacks. Rosecrans reformed his men, resumed the attack and was successful. The Confederates withdrew into the woods north of them. Though the original plan had included McClellan's simultaneous attack on Camp Garnett, this did not occur. McClellan remained inactive. The following day, July 12, Rosecrans entered Camp Garnett. The Confederates had returned in three groups; two groups were successful while Col. Pegram surrendered his group, believing them cut-off. Garnett, fearing an attack on Laurel Hill, withdrew to the northeast. Union casualties were 74, only 12 of those being killed. The Confederates suffered 72, of which 33 were killed. The Battle of Rich Mountain gave the Union control of two vital roadways and effective control of northwestern Virginia. It also propelled General McClellan to the command of what was considered the Union's most important army. The Property: Located on the crest of Rich Mountain, the property is bisected by the old Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, which is now a county road. Union troops were located on the southern portion, which also contains remains of the Hart Homestead, a key landmark during the fighting. A monument and historical marker are along the road. Confederate forces were located to the north of the road. Inscriptions carved by veterans of the battle, marking the exact location of some of the Confederates, are located on rocks scattered throughout the battlefield. Instructions: There is room for parking near the historical marker along the road. There are some old logging roads leading onto the property, but they are to be used for foot travel only. The battlefield is easily accessible by foot. This is rugged terrain, so be careful of uneven walking surfaces. Relic hunting or other disturbance of the ground is prohibited. Special use of the land may be allowed, but prior written permission must be obtained from the Director of Programs. For more detailed information on the Rich Mountain area you can contact the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation, P.O. Box 227, Beverly, WV 26253. While in the area, you may want to visit several of the nearby Civil War sites protected by the Forest Service. For brochures and maps to these related sites, write to Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore St., Elkins, WV 26241. While you are in Beverly, stop at the new Rich Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center. Located in the Bushrod Crawford Building Directions: From Elkins, West Virginia, take Highway 219/250 south six miles to Beverly. In the center of Beverly, take a right on Rich Mountain Road. There is a small sign directing you to the battlefield. Bear right, staying on Rich Mountain Road, after crossing the river. Drive to the top of the mountain. You will see a historical marker on the left when you reach the battlefield. Click here to get a map or driving directions. Rich Mountain Road in Beverly, West Virginia is your general destination. For a print friendly brochure, please click here.
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