Battle of Rich Mountain

Battle of Rich Mountain Began: July 11, 1861 Ended: Same day Location: Randolph County, West Virginia Theater: Eastern Theater Campaign: Operations in Western Virginia Outcome: Union victory Combatants Three brigades Department of the Ohio Army of the Northwest Commanders George B. McClellan Major General, USA William S. Rosecrans Brigadier General, USA John Pegram Lieutenant Colonel, CSA Robert S. Garnett Brigadier General, CSA Strength Casualties 46 300

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The Battle of Rich Mountain (July 11, 1861) was a significant battle in the American Civil War. The battle saw Maj. General George B. McClellan face off against Confederate Col. John Pegram near Rich Mountain in what is now West Virginia, a stunning victory for the Union Army, and propelling McClellan's career.

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. T.A. Morris’s Union brigade marched from Philippi to confront Brig. Gen. R.S. Garnett’s command at Laurel Hill. On July 11, 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. (NPS summary)