Jenkins' Trans-Allegheny Raid

Last updated

Jenkins' Trans–Allegahny Raid
Part of the American Civil War
Jenkins Raid 1862 simple map.png
Jenkins' route
DateAugust 22 – September 19, 1862
Location
Western Virginia (now West Virginia)
and Ohio
Belligerents
Flag of the United States (1861-1863).svg USA United States (Union)Flag of the Confederate States of America (1861-1863).svg CSA Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Col. John C. Rathbone
Col. John C. Paxton
Ltc. William H.H. Russell		 Br Gen. Albert G. Jenkins
  • Col. James Corns
Units involved
District of the Kanawha Dept. of SW Virginia
  • Jenkins Brigade
Strength
~ varied by location ~ 550
Casualties and losses
~1,300 7
Note: Jenkins was sent to attack the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and cut off a Union retreat from the Kanawha River Valley to Ohio.

Jenkins' Trans-Allegheny Raid was a Confederate cavalry expedition in the American Civil War that took place in Western Virginia (now West Virginia) and Ohio during August and September 1862. The raid was led by Brigadier General Albert G. Jenkins, and it started on August 22 as a preliminary step in Confederate Major General William W. Loring's military campaign to drive the Union Army out of the Kanawha River Valley. That campaign, known as the Kanawha Valley Campaign of 1862, took place from September 6 through September 16. The purpose of Jenkins' raid was to get behind the Union Army outposts located near the beginning of the Kanawha River, and cut off their main route of retreat to the safety of Ohio.

Contents

On the journey to his destination, Jenkins was able to capture several towns and seize valuable supplies and weaponry. He crossed the Ohio River into the state of Ohio, becoming the first Confederate force to invade that state. He moved back into Virginia and reached Buffalo, Virginia, on September 5. By occupying a position along the Kanawha River between the Union Army and Ohio, he completed his assignment to block the Union Army's most direct route of retreat. On the same day, Loring began a march with four brigades toward the Union outposts.

On September 8 Jenkins and a small detachment of his men were attacked by a detachment from the 2nd Loyal Virginia Cavalry, but Jenkins escaped. Although Union leaders believed Jenkins had been removed as a threat, Jenkins was able to regroup and move south up the Guyandotte River. He eventually circled north and waited where the Coal River empties into the Kanawha River. Lightburn, in his retreat after a defeat in the Battle of Charleston on September 13, avoided Jenkins by taking a road north towards Ripley, Virginia, instead of following the turnpike along the Kanawha River.

Background

The Commonwealth of Virginia ratified an Ordinance of Secession that declared secession from the United States on May 23, 1861, and later joined other southern states in the Confederate States of America. [1] Many people in the western portion of Virginia preferred to remain loyal to the United States, and they declared their own statehood on October 24, 1861—but the region did not officially become the state of West Virginia until June 20, 1863. [2] [3] In the southern half of western Virginia, many of the people from the mountains were pro-Union, while the majority in the large valleys were pro-Confederate. [4] Bushwhackers and Partisan rangers utilized guerrilla warfare for both sides to help gain control of the region. [5] The Kanawha Valley was important to the Confederacy because of its salt deposits and its potential for new army recruits. [6] [Note 1]

The Kanawha River Valley was important to the Confederacy Western Virginia 1862.png
The Kanawha River Valley was important to the Confederacy

During 1861, Union forces commanded by Brigadier General Jacob Dolson Cox gained control of a large portion of southwestern Virginia along the Kanawha River Valley. [8] The western portion of Virginia had few good roads and few settlements. [9] Using small steamboats from the Ohio River, the Kanawha River could be navigated for about 70 miles (110 km) to a point about 10 miles (16 km) upstream from Charleston, which meant the river could be used to transport troops and supplies. [8] Further upstream (with non-navigable portions), the Kanawha River is formed by the meeting of the New River and the Gauley River at the community of Gauley Bridge. That community was important not only for its river connections, but also because the James River and Kanawha Turnpike ran through it and was intersected by another road that ran northeast to Summersville and beyond. [10]

On August 14, 1862, Cox began moving most of his division to Washington to reinforce another Union Army. [11] A small quantity of troops remained near the Kanawha Valley, and were put under the command of Colonel Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn. [12] Soon after Cox left the Kanawha Valley, some Union Army records were captured, and Confederate leaders learned that Cox had left only 5,000 men in the Kanawha Valley at posts around Gauley Bridge. Major General William W. Loring was ordered to clear the Kanawha Valley of Union soldiers, and then move northeast to join more Confederate soldiers in the Shenandoah Valley. [13] [14] Part of Loring's plan to eliminate the Union Army included having a cavalry force move 500 miles (800 km) through Union–controlled territory to a point on the Kanawha River between Gauley Bridge and the Ohio River—which would block the best route for a Union retreat. [15]

Opposing forces

Confederate Army

Albert G. Jenkins AlbertGJenkins LOCcrop.png
Albert G. Jenkins

Major General Loring commanded the Department of Southwestern Virginia. [16] Before he began his objective to drive the Union Army out of the Kanawha Valley, he wanted to have a force behind the Union Army that would cut off the major Union retreat route to the safety of Ohio. This blocking force consisted of cavalry commanded by Brigadier General Albert G. Jenkins. Under his command were seven companies from the 8th Virginia Cavalry Regiment led by Colonel J. M. Corns, and five more companies of mounted men led by Captain W. R. Preston. [17] Many of Preston's men would eventually become part of the 14th Virginia Cavalry Regiment. [18] At the start of the raid, Jenkins' entire force numbered 550 to 600 men, although its size varied during the raid. [19]

Union Army

J.A.J. Lightburn J.A.J.Lightburn.png
J.A.J. Lightburn

Colonel Lightburn assumed command of the Kanawha District on August 17, 1862. [20] His headquarters were located at Gauley Bridge. [21] Under his command were seven infantry regiments and one cavalry regiment, but very few of these forces confronted Jenkins. Once Lightburn knew that Jenkins was between Lightburn's Union force and the Ohio River, he sent six companies from the 2nd Loyal Virginia Cavalry Regiment, plus three companies from the 4th Loyal Virginia Infantry Regiment, to find and confront Jenkins. The cavalry was commanded by Colonel John C. Paxton, and the infantry detachment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William H. H. Russell. [22] [Note 2] Company B from the 2nd Loyal Virginia, led by Major William Powell, fought against Jenkins' men and almost captured Jenkins. [24] The other forces that fought Jenkins at various locations in western Virginia were stationed far from Gauley Bridge and not directly under Lightburn's command. One of the larger Union forces was stationed at Spencer, Virginia, and consisted of five companies of the 11th Loyal Virginia Infantry Regiment. Their commander was Colonel John C. Rathbone. [25] Also at Spencer was a company of independent scouts known as the "Snakehunters", and they were commanded by Captain John P. Baggs. Rathbone's force totaled to about 300 men, although 100 men were poorly-equipped or unarmed. [26]

Jenkins' moves north

Loring planned to attack the Union force after Jenkins circled behind and cut off the Union path for retreat. Jenkins Trans-Allegheny Raid 1862V2.png
Loring planned to attack the Union force after Jenkins circled behind and cut off the Union path for retreat.

Confederate Major General Loring planned to take control of the Kanawha River Valley by leading a large force in an assault of Union forces located in Raleigh, Fayette, and Kanawha counties. As part of the plan, he needed to wait for Jenkins to get behind the Union fortifications to block a Union retreat down the Kanawha River. [15]

Lightburn eventually received reports that Loring was at Lewisburg (he was actually further south) with a force of 10,000 troops. [27] Loring's force actually consisted of about 5,000 men instead the rumored 10,000, but he expected to add to it by recruiting and organizing existing local militias. [13] [Note 3]

To the railroad

On August 22, Jenkins began his mission to attack the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and then move to the rear of Lightburn's Union force. [28] At least one historian believes that Loring knew that Jenkins would not be able to damage the railroad, but that the railroad portion of the mission was a diversionary movement that would draw attention away from Loring's front—and also draw attention away from Jenkins' principal goal of cutting off the Union route of retreat. [29] Jenkins began this mission by moving north from Salt Sulphur Springs. [29] He quickly found it necessary to send one company in the opposite direction to approach the Kanawha River from the south side instead of the north. He also left another company behind because it did not have enough ammunition. [17] The size of his mounted force was about 550 men. [19]

Jenkins' route began with a northern movement in the Cheat River Valley. [28] On August 28, Jenkins encountered six Union pickets about 15 miles (24 km) south of a Union post near Beverly. Here he learned that the much larger force at the Union post, which blocked his path to the railroad, would be difficult to attack. [30] Although Jenkins was temporarily joined by 300 irregular cavalrymen commanded by Colonel John Imboden, he decided to bypass the Union fortification. Imboden occupied the Union soldiers while Jenkins moved west for the second part of his mission. [28] Jenkins' artillery was sent back to Salt Sulphur Springs, while the remaining force struggled west on a crude bridle path across Randolph County's Rich Mountain. [31]

Jenkins moves west toward Ohio

Jenkins captured numerous supplies at Buckhannon Capture of Buckhannon.png
Jenkins captured numerous supplies at Buckhannon

Buckhannon

After moving through Randolph County, Jenkins turned north on August 30 and began moving down French Creek to the community of Buckhannon, county seat of Upshur County. During this movement, his men were often harassed by pro-Union Home Guard. [32] Arriving near Buckhannon close to 3:00 pm, Jenkins approached the town with all but two companies dismounted. Waiting for the Confederates were an untested light artillery company, a company of militia, and a new company of 60 regulars from the 10th Loyal Virginia Infantry Regiment. [33] The Union companies were deployed on Water Tank Hill, causing some locals to now call this fight the "Battle of Water Tank Hill". [33]

After firing a round or two, the Union forces fled, and Jenkins captured the town. Jenkins reported casualties of four wounded. [34] He also reported Union casualties of 12 to 15 killed or wounded, and 20 taken prisoner—including the Union commander Captain Marsh. The entire Union force was said by Marsh to number about 200. [35] Using captured arms and ordnance, Jenkins was able to resupply his poorly-armed men with Enfield and Harper's Ferry rifles. Anything else of value was destroyed. [35] At midnight, Jenkins began moving west toward Weston. [36]

Weston and Glenville

Many of the communities encountered by Jenkins were small. For example: the 1860 U.S. Census lists the population of Weston as 820. [37] Glenville had a population of 398, and Spencer had a population of 196. [38] Jenkins arrived at Weston at dawn on August 31. It was raining and foggy, which allowed the six companies from the 6th Loyal Virginia Infantry Regiment to escape from town before Jenkins surrounded it. The Union commander, Lieutenant Henry Hoy, remained in town and joined Jenkins' men in plundering. Late that evening, Jenkins began moving west toward Gilmer County. [39] [Note 4]

By 11:00 am on September 1, Jenkins was close enough to see the small community of Glenville in the distance. Glenville was defended by the 165th Militia, Gilmer County. The militia fired two volleys at Jenkins' advance guard before fleeing into the woods. Jenkins's men rested for the remainder of the day at Glenville, and then they resumed their westward march at midnight. [41]

Spencer

Jenkins captured Spencer without a fight Capture of Spencer.png
Jenkins captured Spencer without a fight

Colonel John C. Rathbone was the Union commander at the small community of Spencer. [42] He was also involved with oil fields at Burning Springs. [43] Rathbone's force numbered about 300, including at least 45 men from an independent company known as the "Snakehunters". [44] On the morning of September 2, Rathbone received information that Confederate cavalry were moving toward Spencer. He did not make any adjustments to his pickets, and did not send a detachment to find the enemy force. [25]

Jenkins arrived at Spencer around 4:00 pm. [26] He posted his men on nearby hills with the line stretched thin to give the illusion that his force was larger than what it was. He sent three men under a flag of truce to negotiate a surrender of the Union force. Rathbone summoned all officers to a council of war, and he was urged to remain in town and fight. Concerned that Rathbone was going to surrender, about 70 men left town and escaped. Rathbone and his second–in–command, Major George Trimble, believed they were surrounded by as many as 1,100 men. Rathbone surrendered unconditionally, and arms were stacked. Without firing a shot, 218 men were surrendered. [44] Jenkins and his men entered town, and they destroyed weapons and supplies other than what they took for themselves. They paroled 170 men. [45] The locals hated Captain Baggs and his Snakehunters, so the Snakehunters asked to go with Jenkins because they were afraid of retaliation from the town's citizens. [46] The incident became known as "Rathbone's Folly". [42] It caused Rathbone and Trimble to be dismissed, for cowardly conduct, from the Union Army on January 6, 1863. [47] Rathbone had his dismissal revoked on May 18, 1866. [48]

Ohio

Jenkins left Spencer on the morning of September 3, and arrived at Ripley in the evening. The town is only 12 miles (19 km) from the Ohio River. [48] He found no resistance from the town. A Union Army paymaster was captured along with $5,525. [49] Further west, news of the surrender at Spencer arrived at the town of Ravenswood, which is located on the Virginia side of the Ohio River. Lieutenant Colonel Daniel E. Frost of the 11th Loyal Virginia Infantry (and brother-in-law of Rathbone) was in charge of the Union Army post at Ravenswood. His scouts were at Ravenswood when Jenkins entered Ripley. The town evacuated people and military supplies. [49]

Jenkins arrived at Ravenswood around 11:00 am on September 4. As he approached, about 250 defenders fled the town and crossed the Ohio River. Jenkins' men rested in town and took supplies from local stores. Occasionally, they were shot at by locals on the Ohio side of the river. [50] Just before sunset, Jenkins brought a portion of his command over the Ohio River into Ohio. This was the first Confederate invasion of Ohio, and the crossing was made at Sand Creek Riffle. [51] Jenkins left a portion of his men in Virginia with instructions to meet on the Virginia side at Point Pleasant near the mouth of the Kanawha River. Colonel James Corns of the 8th Virginia Cavalry Regiment commanded this group. [52] In Ohio, Jenkins took possession of the town of Racine. [53] He warned the locals that if his men were harmed, he would burn the town. He also stated that his purpose in Ohio was to obtain horses and supplies. Although he did not burn the town, he caused panic in Ohio and nearby states. [54] After midnight, he crossed back into Virginia at Wolf's Bar near Racine. [55]

Jenkins moves into position on Kanawha River

Ohio newspapers expressed concern about Jenkins Jenkins in Buffalo.png
Ohio newspapers expressed concern about Jenkins

Jenkins met Colonel Corns about six miles (9.7 km) from Point Pleasant, Virginia. The town was located where the Kanawha River emptied into the Ohio River, and had a sheltered defending force. Early in the raid, Jenkins had sent his artillery away, so an attack on Point Pleasant would be difficult. Instead, Jenkins made a feint toward Point Pleasant, but took his command to the small town of Buffalo located up the Kanawha River. His mission was accomplished by September 5, and Union forces upriver were not sure of his location. [56] An Ohio newspaper believed he had 1,500 men, and 2,000 more were expected to join him. [57] On the next day, Loring began moving north toward the Union outposts near the Kanawha River. [16]

The news of Loring advancing from the south, plus Jenkins between Lightburn and Ohio, reached the Union camps in early September. A large portion of the 2nd Loyal Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Colonel John C. Paxton, was sent to find and confront Jenkins. [24] In addition, three companies from the 4th Loyal Virginia Infantry were also sent to pursue Jenkins. Their commander was Lieutenant Colonel William H. H. Russell. [22] On September 8, the Union cavalry discovered that Jenkins had his headquarters at the William C. Miller house near Barboursville, and Jenkins was thought to be planning a move toward Charleston on the next day. [58] That evening, Major William H. Powell led a company of cavalry to the Miller house. The house was surrounded, but Jenkins and his staff had already escaped through the rear garden. The entire Confederate force abandoned its camp and fled up the Guyandotte River towards Logan and Wyoming counties. [58] [Note 5]

Lightburn retreated north on the Ripley Road instead of risking a confrontation with Jenkins on the road to Point Pleasant. LightburnEscapes2.png
Lightburn retreated north on the Ripley Road instead of risking a confrontation with Jenkins on the road to Point Pleasant.

Over the next week, Loring attacked Union troops in the counties near the beginning of the Kanawha River. His first major victory was achieved in the Fayetteville on September 10, and the two sides skirmished at points between Fayetteville and Charleston such as Cotton Hill and Montgomery's Ferry. [61] Although news of the event at Barboursville led Lightburn to believe that the threat from Jenkins was eliminated, that was not entirely true. [62] During Loring's fighting in Fayette County, Jenkins moved his troops to Logan Court House and then Wyoming Court House. Unable to communicate with Loring, he eventually moved his men west to Kanawha County at the mouth of the Coal River (a.k.a. Coalsmouth) in an attempt to block any Union retreat. [63]

Lightburn continued a retreat down the Kanawha River, using a turnpike that ran adjacent to the river. His troops were defeated by Loring in the Battle of Charleston on September 13. [64] Lightburn burned a bridge across the Elk River at Charleston and continued his retreat. [65] Fearing that Jenkins' men or Confederate militia were waiting further down the Kanawha River, Lightburn took a road north to Ripley and crossed the Ohio River at Ravenswood. [66] His troops then moved on the Ohio side of the river to a location opposite Point Pleasant at the mouth of the Kanawha River. Loring had driven Lightburn's Union Army out of the Kanawha River Valley and back to Ohio. [67]

Aftermath

The Official Record labels Jenkins' raid as "Jenkins' Expedition in West Virginia and Ohio", and uses the dates of August 22 – September 19, 1862. [68] Historian Terry Lowry calls the event "Jenkins' Trans-Allegheny Raid", and his book's chapter devoted to the raid ends on September 9, 1862. [69]

In Loring's September 20 report, he praised Jenkins and claimed that Jenkins "captured and paroled near 300 prisoners of war; killed, wounded, and dispersed about 1,000 of the enemy; reclaimed to the Government about 40,000 square miles, then in the possession of the enemy...destroyed at least 5,000 stand of small–arms, one piece of cannon, and immense stores...." [68] Jenkins' report mentions only seven Confederate casualties, and it says nothing about the event at the Miller house near Barboursville. [70] Cox wrote that "little real mischief was done" by Jenkins' raid, but it was one of the causes of Lightburn's "embarrassing" retreat. [71] Cox was ordered to return to the Kanawha Valley and promoted to major general. [72] On October 14, he was at Point Pleasant preparing to retake the valley. [73] By October 30, Union troops occupied Charleston, and began moving further east. [74]

In December 1862, Lightburn was transferred to the XV Corps commanded by Major General William T. Sherman, and he became a brigade commander. [75] He was eventually promoted to brigadier general. He was slightly wounded in the face on August 24, 1864. He recovered from his wound and continued serving until he resigned on June 22, 1865. [76] Jenkins did not survive the war. He led a brigade in the Battle of Gettysburg, and he was wounded on July 2, 1863. He recovered by autumn of that year, and returned to operate in western Virginia. Jenkins was wounded and captured on May 9, 1864, in the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain. He died from his wound on May 24 in Dublin, Virginia. [77] After the war, Cox became governor of Ohio. He also served as secretary of the interior in President Grant's administration, and served in the United States House of Representatives. [78]

Preservation

Highway markers commemorate some of Jenkins' exploits in his 1862 raid. One exists at Salt Sulphur Springs in West Virginia's Monroe County. [79] Another marker, titled Capture of Spencer, is located in Roane County at Spencer. [80] Three historical markers commemorate the invasion of Ohio by Jenkins. In West Virginia, a highway marker titled "Ohio River Ford" marks the spot at Ravenswood where Jenkins (and Lightburn) crossed into Ohio. [51] An additional marker discusses Daniel Frost, and it mentions that his newspaper was burned during Jenkins's raid. [81] On the Ohio side, a historical marker titled "First Ohio Invasion" discusses the invasion, and is placed at Buffington Island north of the actual crossing point. [52]

See also

Notes

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Salt, an essential part of the diet for humans and livestock, was also used for preserving meat during the 1860s. [7]
  2. ↑ Because of the mixed loyalties in Virginia, the state provided regiments for both the Union and Confederate armies. The 2nd Loyal Virginia Cavalry was a (loyal) Union regiment, that should not be confused with the 2nd Virginia Cavalry Regiment that was in the Confederate Army. After the state of West Virginia was created from the western portion of Virginia on June 20, 1863, the Union regiments from Virginia were renamed as West Virginia regiments, causing the 2nd Loyal Virginia Cavalry to become the 2nd West Virginia Cavalry. [23]
  3. ↑ One author (Francis Lightburn Cressman) claims that Loring reported a force of only 5,000 men, lower than its actual size, to downplay his numerical advantage and make his victories appear as difficult accomplishments. [6]
  4. ↑ Lieutenant Colonel Daniel E. Frost, of the 11th Loyal Virginia Infantry, claimed Hoy was a Union spy that would help keep track of Jenkins' location. [40]
  5. ↑ Jenkins' September 19 report simply says he proceeded to Logan Court House, and then Wyoming Court House to convey his new recruits behind the lines. [59] At the time of the American Civil War, some of the small county seats were identified with the county name followed by "Court House". For example, Beckley, Virginia (later Beckley, West Virginia) is identified on some maps as "Beckley", but it is identified in other maps as "Raleigh C.H." or Raleigh Court House. Beckley is the county seat of Raleigh County. [60]

Citations

  1. ↑ Snell 2012 , Ch. 1 Loc. 157 of e-book
  2. ↑ Snell 2012 , Ch. 4 Loc. 796 of e-book
  3. ↑ Snell 2012 , Preface Loc. 66 of e-book
  4. ↑ MacCorkle 1916 , p. 271
  5. ↑ "Civil Neighbors to Violent Foes: Guerrilla Warfare in Western Virginia during the Civil War". Marshall University. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  6. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 25
  7. ↑ "Geology and the Civil War in Southwest Virginia: The Smyth County Salt Works" (PDF). Commonwealth of Virginia, Division of Mineral Resources (August 1996). Archived (PDF) from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  8. 1 2 Cox 1900 , pp. 63–64
  9. ↑ Starr 1981 , pp. 154–156
  10. ↑ Cox 1900 , pp. 80–81
  11. ↑ Cox 1900 , pp. 224–226
  12. ↑ Cox 1900 , pp. 226–227
  13. 1 2 Cox 1900 , p. 392
  14. ↑ Scott 1885 , p. 1069
  15. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 45
  16. 1 2 Scott 1887 , p. 1057
  17. 1 2 Scott 1885 , p. 757
  18. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 48
  19. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 46
  20. ↑ Scott 1887 , p. 1058
  21. ↑ Cox 1900 , p. 393
  22. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 84
  23. ↑ Lowry 2016, p. vi
  24. 1 2 Sutton 2001 , p. 59
  25. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , pp. 61–62
  26. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 62
  27. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 59
  28. 1 2 3 Evans 1899 , p. 62 (WV section)
  29. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 49
  30. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 53
  31. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 54
  32. ↑ Scott 1885 , p. 758
  33. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 57
  34. ↑ Scott 1885 , pp. 758–759
  35. 1 2 Scott 1885 , p. 759
  36. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 58
  37. ↑ "Population of the United States in 1860: Virginia (see page 520)" (PDF). United States Census Bureau . Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Population of the United States in 1860: Virginia (see page 519)" (PDF). United States Census Bureau . Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  39. ↑ Lowry 2016 , pp. 58–59
  40. ↑ Lowry 2016, p. 90
  41. ↑ Lowry 2016 , pp. 59–60
  42. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 61
  43. ↑ "John Castelli Rathbone, Colonel, Civil War Letter and Parole Pledge". West Virginia University – West Virginia & Regional History Center. Archived from the original on February 21, 2023. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  44. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , pp. 62–63
  45. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 64
  46. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 63
  47. ↑ Scott 1885 , p. 763
  48. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 65
  49. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 66
  50. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 68
  51. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 70
  52. 1 2 Lowry 2016 , p. 71
  53. ↑ Scott 1885 , pp. 760–761
  54. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 72
  55. ↑ Lowry 2016 , pp. 73–74
  56. ↑ Lowry 2016 , pp. 74–75
  57. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 85
  58. 1 2 Sutton 2001 , p. 60
  59. ↑ Scott 1885, p. 761
  60. ↑ Guiley 2019, p. 206
  61. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 141
  62. ↑ Lowry 2016 , pp. 92–93
  63. ↑ Lowry 2016 , pp. 166–167
  64. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 181
  65. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 207
  66. ↑ Lowry 2016 , pp. 208–209
  67. ↑ Sutton 2001 , p. 61
  68. 1 2 Scott 1885 , p. 756
  69. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 41
  70. ↑ Scott 1885 , pp. 757–759
  71. ↑ Cox 1900 , p. 397
  72. ↑ Cox 1900 , p. 400
  73. ↑ Cox 1900 , p. 408
  74. ↑ Cox 1900 , p. 413
  75. ↑ Snell 2012 , Ch 6, Loc 1307 of e-book
  76. ↑ Lowry 2016 , p. 379
  77. ↑ "West Virginia History – The Civil War Record of Albert Gallatin Jenkins, C. S. A." West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  78. ↑ "Gov. Jacob Dolson Cox". National Governors Association. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  79. ↑ "Salt Sulphur". West Virginia Archives & History, West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  80. ↑ "Capture of Spencer". West Virginia Archives & History, West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  81. ↑ "Daniel Frost". West Virginia Archives & History, West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Cloyd's Mountain</span> Battle of the American Civil War

The Battle of Cloyd's Mountain was a Union victory in western Virginia on May 9, 1864, that allowed the Union forces to destroy a large bridge on the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. The railroad was used to carry Confederate troops and supplies, and served important lead and salt mines. It also helped connect the Confederate capital of Richmond with Tennessee, and had telegraph wires along its line for communications. The fight had a high percentage of casualties for both sides, and the Confederate commander, Brigadier General Albert G. Jenkins, was mortally wounded.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Virginia in the American Civil War</span> Origin of West Virginia; during the U.S. Civil War

The U.S. state of West Virginia was formed out of western Virginia and added to the Union as a direct result of the American Civil War, in which it became the only modern state to have declared its independence from the Confederacy. In the summer of 1861, Union troops, which included a number of newly formed Western Virginia regiments, under General George McClellan drove off Confederate troops under General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Philippi in Barbour County. This essentially freed Unionists in the northwestern counties of Virginia to form a functioning government of their own as a result of the Wheeling Convention. Before the admission of West Virginia as a state, the government in Wheeling formally claimed jurisdiction over all of Virginia, although from its creation it was firmly committed to the formation of a separate state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Charleston (1862)</span> Battle in the American Civil War

The Battle of Charleston was a Confederate victory in Kanawha County, Virginia, on September 13, 1862, during the American Civil War. Troops led by Major General William W. Loring defeated a Union force led by Colonel Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn. This battle, which featured extensive use of artillery but few casualties, was the second major fight in Loring's Kanawha Valley Campaign of 1862 that succeeded in driving Union forces out of the Kanawha River Valley. All points in the Kanawha River Valley were in the southwestern part of Virginia at the time of the battle, but are now part of the state of West Virginia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Droop Mountain</span> 1863 battle of the American Civil War

The Battle of Droop Mountain occurred in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, on November 6, 1863, during the American Civil War. A Union brigade commanded by Brigadier General William W. Averell defeated a smaller Confederate force commanded by Brigadier General John Echols and Colonel William L. "Mudwall" Jackson. Confederate forces were driven from their breastworks on Droop Mountain, losing weapons and equipment. They escaped southward through Lewisburg, West Virginia; hours before a second Union force commanded by Brigadier General Alfred N. Duffié occupied the town.

The 9th West Virginia Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2nd West Virginia Cavalry Regiment</span> Military unit

The 2nd West Virginia Cavalry Regiment served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was organized in Parkersburg, Virginia during September 1861. Most of the original members of this regiment were from southeastern Ohio, and planners thought that this regiment would become the 4th Ohio Cavalry. Their application was rejected by the governor of Ohio, so the unit became the 2nd Regiment of Loyal Virginia Volunteer Cavalry. The "Loyal Virginia" part of the name was replaced with "West Virginia" after the state of West Virginia was officially admitted to the Union in 1863. Today, the National Park Service lists them as 2nd Regiment, West Virginia Cavalry under a heading of Union West Virginia Volunteers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">22nd Virginia Infantry Regiment</span> Military unit

The 22nd Virginia Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment from the western Virginia that served in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. Its commander was George S. Patton Sr., the grandfather of World War II General George S. Patton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn</span> American farmer, soldier, and minister

Joseph Andrew Jackson Lightburn was a West Virginia farmer, soldier and Baptist Minister, most famous for his service as a Union general during the American Civil War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Scary Creek</span> Battle of the American Civil War

The Battle of Scary Creek was a minor battle fought during the American Civil War across the Kanawha River from present day Nitro in Putnam County, West Virginia on July 17, 1861. It was the first Confederate victory in Kanawha Valley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">45th Virginia Infantry Regiment</span> Military unit

The 45th Virginia Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment raised in the Commonwealth of Virginia for service in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. It fought mostly in the mountainous area that today encompasses the border regions of Virginia and West Virginia, and was part of Jubal Early's Army of the Valley during the Valley Campaigns of 1864.

The western Virginia campaign, also known as operations in western Virginia or the Rich Mountain campaign, occurred from May to December 1861 during the American Civil War. Union forces under Major General George B. McClellan invaded the western portion of Virginia to prevent Confederate occupation; this area later became the state of West Virginia. West Virginians on both sides would fight in the campaign while a Unionist convention in Wheeling would appoint their choice for a Unionist governor for Virginia, Francis H. Pierpont, and promote the creation of a new state in western Virginia. Large scale Confederate forces would gradually abandon the region, leaving it to small local brigades to maintain hold on southern and eastern sections for much of the war.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Henry Powell (soldier)</span> American Medal of Honor recipient (1825–1904)

William Henry Powell was an American soldier who fought for the Union in the American Civil War. He was a leader in the iron and nail business before the war, and his leadership abilities proved useful in the military. Powell began as a captain, and quickly ascended to higher roles in the cavalry, including commanding a regiment, a brigade, and then a division. Powell was awarded his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for heroism at Sinking Creek, Virginia, when, as leader of a group of 22 men, he captured an enemy camp and took over 100 prisoners. This was accomplished without the loss of any of his men on November 26, 1862. He was honored with the award on July 22, 1890.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sinking Creek Raid</span> Raid of the American Civil War

The Sinking Creek Raid took place in Greenbrier County, Virginia during the American Civil War. On November 26, 1862, an entire Confederate army camp was captured by 22 men from a Union cavalry during a winter snow storm. The 22 men were the advance guard for the 2nd Loyal Virginia Volunteer Cavalry, which was several miles behind. This cavalry unit was renamed 2nd West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry in 1863, after West Virginia became a state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wytheville Raid</span> Attack of the American Civil War

The Wytheville Raid or Toland's Raid was an attack by an undersized Union brigade on a Confederate town during the American Civil War. Union Colonel John Toland led a brigade of over 800 men against a Confederate force of about 130 soldiers and 120 civilians. The location of Wytheville, the county seat of Wythe County in southwestern Virginia, had strategic importance because of a nearby lead mine and the railroad that served it. This mine supplied lead for about one third of the Confederate Army's munitions, while the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad transported Confederate troops and supplies; plus telegraph wires along the railroad line were vital for communications. In addition to logistics of moving the lead to bullet manufacturing facilities, this rail line also connected an important salt works of an adjacent county with the wider Confederacy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of White Sulphur Springs</span> Battle in the American Civil War

The Battle of White Sulphur Springs, also known as the Battle of Rocky Gap or the Battle of Dry Creek, occurred in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, on August 26 and 27, 1863, during the American Civil War. A Confederate Army force commanded by Colonel George S. Patton defeated a Union brigade commanded by Brigadier General William W. Averell. West Virginia had been a state for only a few months, and its citizens along the state's southern border were divided in loyalty to the Union and Confederate causes. Many of the fighters on both sides were West Virginians, and some were from the counties close to the site of the battle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Lewisburg</span> Battle in the American Civil War

The Battle of Lewisburg occurred in Greenbrier County, Virginia, on May 23, 1862, during the American Civil War. A Union brigade commanded by Colonel George Crook soundly defeated a larger Confederate force commanded by Brigadier General Henry Heth. Panicked Confederate forces escaped by crossing and burning a bridge across the Greenbrier River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kanawha Valley Campaign of 1862</span> Campaign in the American Civil War

The Kanawha Valley Campaign of 1862 was Confederate Major General William W. Loring's military campaign to drive the Union Army out of the Kanawha River Valley during the American Civil War. The campaign took place from September 6 through September 16, 1862, although an important raid that had impact on the campaign started on August 22. Loring achieved success after several skirmishes and two battles, and Union troops retreated to the Ohio River and the safety of the state of Ohio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Fayetteville (1862)</span> Battle of the American Civil War

The Battle of Fayetteville occurred in Fayette County, Virginia, on September 10, 1862, during the American Civil War. A Confederate Army, consisting of multiple brigades commanded by Major General William W. Loring, drove away a Union brigade commanded by Colonel Edward Siber. The battle is part of the Kanawha Valley Campaign of 1862.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">23rd Virginia Infantry Battalion</span> United States Civil War military unit

The 23rd Virginia Infantry Battalion, often called "Derrick's Battalion", was an infantry battalion in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. It fought mostly in western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, and was usually part of a brigade commanded by John Echols or George S. Patton. By 1864, the brigade was usually part of a division commanded by Major General John C. Breckinridge or Brigadier General Gabriel C. Wharton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Kanawha Gap</span> 1863 battle of the American Civil War

The Battle of Kanawha Gap, also known as the Battle of Chapmanville, was a Civil War battle fought near Chapmanville, West Virginia on September 25, 1861, as part of the Western Virginia campaign. A column of Union soldiers from the Kanawha Brigade commanded by Col. Piatt and Col. Enyart, set out on an expedition from Camp Enyart to attack a Confederate camp near Chapmanville and drive Confederate forces from the Kanawha valley.

References

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.