West Virginia Civil War
More Civil War Sites
Martinsburg Civil War
Visitor information at 115 N Queen St, or call 800-498-2386.
Belle Boyd House
229-A E Martin St
304-267-4713
Restored home of the famous Confederate spy and several area museums, including the Boyd Mason Civil War Museum with much on Lower Valley sites. Gift shop and Civil War information here. Open five days a week beginning in mid-April, 10 am–4 pm (closed Sunday and Wednesday). Call for winter hours. Free.
Martinsburg Roundhouse
100 E. Liberty St.
304-260-4141
This site, an important repair facility on the B&O Railroad, was an attractive target for the Confederate military throughout the war. The current roundhouse dates from 1866 (it was burned during the war) but retains some of its Civil War features. It’s currently undergoing restoration. A Civil War Trails sign is located “above” the site at the end of Race Street near the Belle Boyd House.
Shepherdstown and Area
A popular Potomac River crossing during the war, the fords near here were used often, especially by Confederates on their forays into Maryland. Lee's army crossed back into Virginia just east of here at Boteler's Ford following the battle of Antietam in September 1862. Fighting broke out Sept. 19–20 as Union forces struck Lee's rear guard. (Stop at the Antietam National Battlefield visitor center for driving tour information about that event.)
The old town section appears little changed since the 19th century and is a real treat. Elmwood Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 250 Confederate soldiers including Henry Kyd Douglas, a member of Stonewall Jackson's staff. It's located on Duke Street just south of downtown. Visitor Center located at 102 E. German St.
The following are marked with Civil War Trails signs and are included on the Maryland Antietam Campaign Trail map:
Shepherdstown in the Civil War
Trails signs in front of the college administration building on German Street
Following the battles at South Mountain (Sept. 14, 1862) and Antietam (Sept. 17, 1862), nearly the entire town was turned into a hospital. Private homes, public buildings and even barns were used to house thousands of the hurt, straining the resources of the town.
Molar's Crossroads
Trails signs at intersection of Bakerton and Knott Roads south of Shepherdstown
Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill's 3,000-man division passed by here en route from Harpers Ferry to the battlefield at Antietam. Hill ended his 17-mile march just in time, coming out at the critical part of the battlefield late Sept. 17, 1862, probably saving the day for Lee's army.
Carnifex Ferry
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Near Summersville, entrance 6 miles from U.S. Route 19
The Patterson House Museum is open seasonally. 304-872-0825.
Federal troops pushed Confederates from their fortifications here Sept. 10, 1861. This battle, coupled with lack of success at Cheat Mountain to the east, ended Confederate efforts to regain control of the western part of Virginia. A number of interpreted trails, some overlooking the Gauley River, are available for hikers.
Droop Mountain
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
15 miles south of Marlinton, entrance off Route 219
304-653-4254
Site of the last significant Civil War battle in West Virginia, Nov. 6, 1863, as Federal troops moved to disrupt the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad to the south. The Confederate defenders here eventually were overwhelmed and retreated into Virginia. A museum and trails interpret the action.
Lewisburg and Area
Battle of Lewisburg
Greenbrier County Visitor Center
540 N Jefferson St, Lewisburg WV USA 24901
800-833-2068
Road map
Fighting raged in this 18th-century town May 23, 1862, as Union troops moved to cut communications between Virginia and Tennessee. Annual reenactment and living history weekend held near the historic date of the battle.
Three walking tour brochures cover the town's Civil War history and are available free at the visitor center open 9 am–5 pm Monday–Friday and 10 am–4 pm Saturday. Also open Sundays May–December noon–4 pm.
Organ Cave
Trails sign at the site located on Route 63 between Routes 219 and Route 60, south of Lewisburg
Road Map
The cave was an important source of saltpeter, an essential element in the manufacture of gunpowder, making it an important resource for Confederates, who operated the mine beginning in 1861. An 1863 Federal cavalry expedition targeted the saltpeter industry in the area, but did not reach Organ Cave. Civil War-era saltpeter production equipment remains at the site. See www.organcave.org about visiting.
Romney and area
Fort Mill Ridge
2
miles west of Romney on US 50
Road map
Interpreted trail winds through this well-preserved fort commanding the Northwestern Turnpike (now Route 50). Confederates earlier used this position to defend the approaches to Romney, Union soldiers built the existing fort in 1863.
Trails signs at the following locations:
Engagement at Romney
Trails sign on Main Street (US 50), west of Romney
Road map
Learning that Confederates were occupying Romney in June 1861, Union troops under Lew Wallace (later of Monocacy fame) marched toward town. As they approached the covered bridge over the South Branch of the Potomac River, they came under fire from Sycamore Dale (across the river and upstream) and a couple of pieces of artillery. Wallace dislodged the Confederates, who fled. Wallace searched the town for weapons before returning to his base in Maryland.
Bloomery Gap
Trails sign on Route 127, just west of the Virginia border
Road map
Confederates occupying the gap in early 1862 threatened the B&O Railroad and Union operations near the Potomac River. In mid-February a Federal force under Frederick Lander attacked the Confederate position here, scattering the troops and capturing 67. The Confederates soon reoccupied the gap.
Captain Stump
Trails sign on County Route 8 just off Main Street southwest of Romney
Road map
Hickory Grove was the home of Capt. George W. Stump, known as “Stump’s Battery” because he was always heavily armed. He rode with the Confederate McNeill’s Partisan Rangers and Gen. John Imboden during the war, finally meeting his end when he ran afoul of Union troopers in February 1865.
Moorefield
Battle of Moorefield (Start)
Trails sign located at 5196 US Route 220, Old Fields WV 26845
Road map
Union troopers under Gen. William W. Averell surprised, attacked and routed Confederate cavalry under Gen. Bradley T. Johnson camped here Aug. 7, 1864.
Battle of Moorefield (Running for the Hills)
Trails sign located at 149 Hyde St, Moorefield WV 26836
Road map
Johnson’s troops were pushed back to this area where more Confederates under Gen. John McCausland were camped. The two Southern units tried to form a defensive line but they were outgunned and flanked by the Union troopers. The Confederates were forced to run for the hills. During the battle the Southern cavalry lost four cannon, 400 men and hundreds of hard-to-replace horses.
Other Moorefield Trails signs
Mathias Homestead
Trails sign located at 195 Howards Lick Road, Mathias WV 26812
Road map
After John T. Mathias enlisted in the Confederate army his family faced tough times here during the war. Both Confederate and Union troops periodically swept through here taking produce and livestock.
Wardensville
Trails sign located at 301 E Main St, Wardensville WV 26851
Road map
This busy crossroads town saw lots of action during the war. Union Gen. John C. Fremont’s 20,000 soldiers marched through here in late May 1862 on their way back to the Valley after their defeat at the hands of Stonewall Jackson there. Other units large and small found an easy route to Winchester and points south. Southern guerrillas found friends here but were warned that harboring the partisans might result in the destruction of the town.
Woodlawn
Trails sign located at 8079 State Road 259, Lost River WV 26810
The house, still standing, was the home of James W. Wood, who grew up here and was 15 years old when the war began. He joined the Confederate army in January 1864 and fought at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. He also served with Jubal Early’s Valley army. After the war he served three terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Moorefield Presbyterian Church
Sign located at 109 South Main St., Moorefield WV 26836
Road map
The leader of this church, Rev. William Wilson, and his congregation were strong Confederate sympathizers. Wilson left town in 1862 to become a chaplain in the Confederate army. During the war, both sides used the church as a hospital. Union soldiers stabled their horses inside and burned pews as firewood.
Cemetery Hill
Sign located at 192 Olivet Drive, Moorefield WV 26836
Road map
Fighting erupted among the tombstones Sept. 10, 1863, when Union troops camped here were surprised by a variety of Confederate troopers. The Union position was soon overrun. The Confederates captured 160 soldiers plus wagons, horses, guns and ammunition.
Mill Island
Sign located at 257 Mill Island Road, Moorefield WV 23836
This mansion was built about 1840 for Felix Seymour and his wife. During the war the home was used as a Confederate hospital (especially for sick and wounded McNeill’s Rangers). The prosperous 1,500-acre farm suffered the loss of crops and livestock to both sides during the war.
Fremont’s Camp
Sign located at 8790 State Road 55, Moorefield WV 23836
Union Gen. John C. Fremont and his 20,000-man army arrived and camped here May 28, 1862. Fremont had been defeated by Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson at the Battle of McDowell earlier in the month. While here, President Abraham Lincoln urged Fremont to return to the Valley to help defeat Jackson. Rain and road conditions slowed the Federals as they broke camp here two days later to return to the Valley.
Petersburg
Fort Mulligan
Off Route 28 in Petersburg behind the Fort Hill Motel
Both sides occupied this hill, a strong point for the defense of or raids on the B&O Railroad and the area's coal resources. A quarter-mile interpreted trail takes visitors through the well-preserved fort, built by Union troops in 1863.
Fairmont
Home to Francis Harrison Pierpont, governor of the Restored Government of Virginia (also known as the “Father of West Virginia”), Fairmont was attacked April 29, 1863, by Confederate forces under Gen. William Jones, part of the Jones-Imboden Raid against the B&O Railroad.
Two Civil War Trails signs highlight the Pierpont family and three describe the Raid. All are located within a couple of blocks of each other. Begin at the City Safety Building on Quincy Street. Follow the trailblazer signs to the others.
Pierpont House (site)
Francis Harrison Pierpont outlined the plan to restore loyal western Virginia counties to the Union and give life to the state of West Virginia here. The books from his library were burned in the street during the 1863 Raid.
Pierpont Graves
Pierpont and his wife, Julia, and three of their four children are buried here. The Trails sign here describes the couple’s activities during and after the war.
Jones-Imboden Raid signs
• Attack on Fairmont
Trails sign describes the scene as Confederate Gen. Jones sent two columns of men through Fairmont. Part of the raiding party attacked a suspension bridge here then headed for the nearby B&O Railroad bridge. The railroad bridge was destroyed, but quickly repaired.
• Battle for the Bridge
Detachments from several Union units stationed in Fairmont attempted to prevent Confederate raiders from crossing the suspension bridge over the Monongahela River but were ultimately overcome.
• Fleming House
This was home to Aretas Brooks Fleming, the eighth governor of West Virginia. Fleming, who was then prosecuting attorney, was with the Home Guard across the river guarding the suspension bridge. Fleming was promoted to captain in the militia for his service during the raid.
Oceana
McDonald Plantation
Trails sign located at Clearfork Valley Golf Course, 1597 Clearfork Road, Oceana WV 24870
This was the site of a 7,000-acre farm during the war, owned by William McDonald, who sided with the Confederates in this divided county. The main house was burned in 1862 during a Union raid.
Sutton
The town’s location on the Weston and Gauley Bridge Turnpike (one of the better roads in the area) made this town and others nearby strategically important to both armies.
Trails signs at the Sutton Courthouse, 300 Main St, Sutton WV 26601.
Road map
The War and Suttonville, (Jones-Imboden Raid)
Confederate Gen. John D. Imboden struck here May 12, 1863, part of a raid to disrupt Union activities on the B&O Railroad. Following the evacuation of the Federal garrison, the Confederates destroyed “their quarters and blockhouses” here and in nearby towns.
The Burning of Suttonville
On Dec. 29, 1861, Confederate partisans attacked Union earthworks protecting the suspension bridge across the Elk River. After the Union defenders withdrew a fire broke out (undetermined origin) that destroyed much of the town including the courthouse.
Burnsville/Napier
Battle of Bulltown
Trails sign at the Bulltown Historic Area, which is located near the Burnsville Dam and Lake. Take I-79 exit 79, then follow Route 5.
304-835-2371
On Oct. 13, 1861, Confederate forces attacked Union earthworks here, forcing the defenders to fall back through a series of fortifications. Although surrender was demanded several times, the outnumbered Union troops held out and the Confederates withdrew after a 12-hour fight. A trail leads to the earthworks defended that day. The U.S. Corps of Engineers administers the site.
Glenville
Attack on Glenville (Jenkins Raid)
Trails sign located at Glenville State College, 200 High St., Glenville WV 26351
Road map
Confederate raiders under Gen. Albert Jenkins, on a 500-mile adventure that crossed briefly into Ohio, approached Glenville Sept. 1, 1862. Union defenders here put up a fight, but Jennings soon occupied the town.
Clarksburg and Area
Clarksburg Defenses (Jones-Imboden Raid)
Trails sign 401 High St, Clarksburg WV 26301
Road map
Union trenches here and on Pinnicinick Hill protected the North Western Virginia Railroad, a link between Grafton and Parkersburg. About 5,000 Federal troops manned these defenses, diverting a wing of Confederate attackers during the Jones-Imboden Raid in April 1863.
Bridgeport (Jones-Imboden Raid)
Trails sign 312 Railroad St., Bridgeport WV 26330
Road Map
Forces under Confederate Gen. William “Grumble” Jones ran into strong defenses at Clarksburg April 30, 1863, so they did what damage they could in the area, including attacking Bridgeport. The raiders captured 47 Federal soldiers here, burned a railroad bridge and tore up track before moving on to Philippi.
Union Meetings
Trails sign 300 block West Main Street, Clarksburg WV 26301
Road map
A strong pro-Union feeling here led to early meetings and a revolt against Virginia’s secession in April 1861. Clarksburg’s citizens met in April 1861 and called for a conference that became the First Wheeling Convention in May. That meeting set the stage for West Virginia statehood.
Jackson Birthplace
Trails sign 400 W Main St., Clarksburg WV 26301
Road map
The house where Thomas J. Jackson, later “Stonewall,” was born stood across the street from this sign location. The site itself is marked with a bronze plaque. Poverty marred Jackson’s childhood here, and both parents died before he reached the age of 7. After leaving here, Jackson and his sister moved in with an uncle at Jackson’s Mill, 15 miles south of here.
Northwest Academy
Trails sign 100 block North Second Street, Clarksburg WV 26301
Road map
This was the site of one of the public buildings that served as a barracks, military prison and hospital during the Union occupation of Clarksburg. The Trails sign here describes how different Federal soldiers viewed the town, one thinking it beautiful, the other calling it a “motley collection of rickety frame houses….”
Railroad Depot
Trails sign 400 E Pike St, Clarksburg, WV 26301
Road map
This site was an important transportation hub during the war. The North Western Virginia Railroad (depot was nearby) and several turnpikes connected the town with all parts of the area. Three different Union army headquarters were established here during the war, one headed up in 1861 by Gen. George McClellan.
Arnoldsburg
Engagement at Arnoldsburg
Trails sign at intersection of Routes 33 and 119, Arnoldsburg WV 25234
Road Map
Both sides recruited successfully here, revealing the area’s divided loyalties. In May 1862 a local group, the Confederate Moccasin Rangers, attacked a Union outpost here. After a four-hour fight the Confederates retreated. After this, Confederate activity in the area subsided.
Gauley Bridge
Battles for the Bridges: Gauley Bridge
Trails sign at 370 Route 60, Gauley Bridge WV 25085
Road Map
The wooden covered bridge here was considered important to both sides because it helped link the Ohio and James rivers via the James River and Kanawha Turnpike. Confederate Gen. Henry Wise ordered the bridge burned while retreating from Union troops in the summer of 1861. Union forces replaced the bridge in 1862 and they used it to continue their campaign to occupy the area. The Confederates returned briefly late in the year and burned the bridge again but they soon abandoned the Valley for good.
Fayetteville
Trails signs located at 310 N Court St, Fayetteville WV 25840
Road map
Battle of Fayetteville
Confederate Gen. William Loring attacked Union forces in Fayetteville Sept. 10, 1862, hoping to gain control of this area of the important Kanawha River Valley. Stubborn Union defenders (part of whom occupied Fort Scammon on the hill) finally withdrew all the way to Ohio. The Confederates maintained control here until mid-October.
First Indirect Artillery Fire
This was the site of Fort Beauford, targeted during the 1863 Confederate “Jones-Imboden Raid.” As part of the Confederate force, including artillery, approached the fort on May 19, Confederate guns were forced to move to a more protected location out of sight of the Union position with woods intervening. The Confederates sent an observer forward to help direct the Southern guns firing on the fort, inventing the concept of “indirect fire,” shelling a site not visible to the gunner. The Federals here later chased the Confederates away with small losses.
Ansted
The following Civil War Trails signs are located within a block of 109 James River & Kanawah Turnpike, Ansted WV 25812
Tyree Tavern
This building, believed to be the oldest structure standing in the county, served as headquarters for both sides including the commands of Confederate Gen. John B. Floyd and the “Chicago Gray Dragoons.”
Westlake Cemetery
This is the burial site for Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s mother, Julia. The future general came here in 1855 hoping to find the grave. He stayed at Tyree Tavern and consulted with its owner William who attended his mother’s funeral. Jackson was never sure he found the unmarked grave.
Contentment
This was the post-war home of George Imboden, who served as the colonel of the 18th Virginia Cavalry, which became part of his brother John’s brigade. The unit served during the Gettysburg campaign, in West Virginia and in the Shenandoah Valley.
Alderson
Alderson’s Ferry
Trails sign 111 Railroad Ave., Alderson WV 24901
Road Map
Both sides used the ferry here to cross the Greenbrier River during the war. The area saw occasional fighting for control of the ferry, including a bloody July 12, 1862, cavalry action. Future President, then General, Rutherford B. Hayes crossed here in May 1864 and camped in the area.
Princeton
McNutt House
Trails sign at 1522 N Walker St, Princeton WV 24740
304-487-1502
Road
Map
This home, built by Dr. Robert B. McNutt in 1840, is the only survivor of a fire set May 1, 1862, by retreating Confederates under Col. Walter Jenifer. Earlier, the Confederates had confronted the advance of Union Gen. John C. Fremont’s troops north of town as they moved to confront Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s army in the Shenandoah Valley. Fremont’s army occupied the nearly destroyed town after the fighting. Lt. Col. Rutherford B. Hayes, the future president, used this house as headquarters. House open for tours 9 am–4 pm Monday–Friday.
Websites of these places: West Virginia Links |
