Rich Mountain, WV

Date(s): July 11, 1861

Campaign(s): Operations in Western Virginia (June-December 1861)

Battles in Campaign:

• Philippi, WV - June 3, 1861 D¹

• Rich Mountain, WV - July 11, 1861 B       

• Kessler's Cross Lanes, WV - August 26, 1861 D¹

• Carnifex Ferry, WV - September 10, 1861 B

• Cheat Mountain, WV - September 12-15 1861 B

• Greenbrier River, WV - October 3, 1861 D¹

• Camp Alleghany, WV - December 13, 1861 C¹

Situation:

Commanders:

• Union: Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan and Brig. Gen. William S. Rosecrans

• Confederate:  Lt. Col. John Pegram and Brig. Gen. Robert  S. Garnett

Principal Forces: Brigades

• Union:

• Confederate:

Description:

• Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan assumed command of Union forces in western Virginia in June 1861.

• On June 27, he moved his divisions from Clarksburg south against Lt. Col. John Pegram’s Confederates, reaching the vicinity of Rich Mountain on July 9th.

• Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. T. A. Morris’ Union brigade marched from Philippi to confront Brig. Gen. R. S. Garnett’s command at Laurel Hill.

• On July 11th, Brig. Gen. William S. Rosecrans led a reinforced brigade by a mountain path to seize the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike in Pegram’s rear.

• A sharp two-hour fight ensued in which the Confederates were split in two.

• Half escaped to Beverly, but Pegram and the others surrendered on July 13.

• Hearing of Pegram’s defeat, Garnett abandoned Laurel Hill.

• The Federals pursued, and, during fighting at Corrick’s Ford on July 13, Garnett was killed.

• On July 22, McClellan was ordered to Washington, and Rosecrans assumed command of Union forces in western Virginia.

• Union victory at Rich Mountain was instrumental in propelling McClellan to command of the Army of the Potomac.

Slide Presentation: None

Classification²: B

Casualties³:

• Union: 46

• Confederate: 300

Results: Union Victory

Battlefield Websites: 

Recommended Resources:

¹ National Park Service summary.

² Classification:

• A - having a decisive influence on a campaign and a direct impact on the course of the war

• B - having a direct and decisive influence on their campaign

• C - having observable influence on the outcome of a campaign

• D - having a limited influence on the outcome of their campaign or operation but achieving or affecting important local objectives

³ Casualties are someone killed, injured, wounded, captured or missing.

Revised 01/02/2009