Hart House
Posted by: 
uccacher
N 38° 51.967 W 079° 56.013
17S E 592520 N 4302459
Historical marker located at the site of the Civil War Battle of Rich Mountain.
Waymark Code: WMCFFA
Location: West Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 09/01/2011
Views: 16
The Battle of Rich Mountain took place on July 11, 1861, in Randolph County, Virginia (now West Virginia) as part of the Operations in Western Virginia Campaign during the American Civil War.
Background
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 9. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Morris's Union brigade marched from Philippi to confront Brig. Gen. Robert S. Garnett's command at Laurel Hill. On July 10-11, Brig. Gen. William S. Rosecrans led a reinforced brigade by a mountain path to seize the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike in Pegram's rear.
Battle
A sharp two-hour fight ensued in which the Confederates were split in two. Half escaped to Beverly and on over the Shawnee Trail, but Pegram and the others (including the "Sydney Boys", a regiment formed from the students of Hampden-Sydney College) surrendered on July 13.
Aftermath
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; he was the first general officer to be killed in the war. On July 22, McClellan was ordered to Washington, and Rosecrans assumed command of Union forces in western Virginia. The Union victory at Rich Mountain was instrumental in propelling McClellan to command of the Army of the Potomac.
Source: Wikipedia
Marker Text:
Rich Mountain battle was waged near Hart House and barn where deLagnel's 310 men held Rosecrans' forces for 4 hours before surrendering. This forced Col. Pegram to retreat. His army was captured.
Marker Title: Hart House
Marker Location: Rich Mountain Battlefield
County or Independent City: Beverly, WV
Marker Program Sponsor: West Virginia Department of Culture and History
Marker Number: Not listed
Web Site: Not listed
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