Cheat Mountain Summit
Civil War West Virginia

American Civil War
September 12-15 1861

General Robert E. Lee directed his first offensive of the war against Brigadier General Joseph Reynolds's entrenchments on the summit of Cheat Mountain and in the Tygart Valley.

The Confederate attacks were uncoordinated, however, and the Federal defense was so stubborn that Col. Albert Rust (leading the attacks) was convinced that he confronted an overwhelming force. He actually faced only about 300 determined Federals.

Lee called off the attack and, after maneuvering in the vicinity, withdrew to Valley Head on September 17. In October, Lee renewed operations against Laurel Mountain with the troops of Floyd and Loring, but the operation was called off because of poor communication and lack of supplies.

Lee was recalled to Richmond on October 30 after achieving little in western Virginia.

Result(s): Union victory

Location: Pocahontas County

Campaign: Operations in Western Virginia (June-December 1861) next battle in campaign previous battle in campaign

Date(s): September 12-15 1861

Principal Commanders: Brigadier General Joseph Reynolds [US]; General Robert E. Lee and Col. Albert Rust [CS]

Forces Engaged: Brigades

Estimated Casualties: 170 total (US 80; CS 90)


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Sources:
U.S. National Park Service
U.S. Library of Congress.

Civil War History West Virginia Book Club Reading Titles


To most history travelers, Virginia IS the Civil War. It is the state where the Battles of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, the Wilderness, and Manassas took place. The city of Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy. Appomattox saw the surrender of Lee to Grant. The campaigns that were fought here were led by some of the war's most visible leaders_Lee, Jackson, Grant, Meade, Sheridan, Stuart, Mosby.

This guide also includes West Virginia, which was created from a section of Virginia early in the war.



Loyal West Virginia 1861-1865


From John Brown's inflammatory raid at Harper's Ferry to the first land battle at Philippi, and through the surrender of McNeill's Rangers at the end of the war, Civil War in West Virginia looks at the skirmishes, battles, and politics that shaped West Virginia'a role in the Civil War. With extensive maps, photographs, and historical documents, this book thoroughly chronicles the major activities which took place in the Restored Government of Virginia" as the state was called after its secession from Virginia.
Images of the Civil War in West Virginia
This amazing book has over 475 photographs, images, and drawings – all made during the Civil War or very soon thereafter, and all related to West Virginia. This is the largest collection of images ever put together on West Virginia during the war. In addition to photos, it includes broadsides, veteran reunions, and miscellaneous paper items. Many of these pictures are from private collections and have never before been published. Also includes a short chronology of battles and events, giving a reference for the images. The book is printed on high quality glossy paper. A must for all Civil War buffs

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