On June 8, 1861, all of the Confederates in the Tygart River Valley were organized by their new commander, Brigadier General Robert S. Garnett. Garnett entrenched his troops at two key points: Laurel Hill and Rich Mountain. By July 8, Garnett had 3,351 troops at Laurel Hill. A small force under Colonel Pegram was at Rich Mountain. Among the troops at Laurel Hill was the 1st Georgia, 9th Virginia Battalion, 20th Virginia, 23rd Virginia, 31st Virginia, and the 37th Virginia Infantries. The Pittsylvania, Charlotte, Greenbrier, Bath, and Rockbridge Cavalries and the Danville Artillery were also present. The Union forces were the 7th Indiana, 6th Ohio, 15th Ohio, 16th Ohio, 1st [West] Virginia, and the 2nd [West] Virginia Infantries, along with the 1st Ohio Light Artillery. The Union forces were led by Brigadier General Thomas Morris.

The battle began with both sides sending out patrols to check each other out, only to be driven off by infantry and artillery fire. On July 11th, the sounds of the battle at Rich Mountain could be heard in the distance. General Garnett, afraid of being surrounded, retreated. Mistaking his own forces for the enemy at Beverly, he retreated towards Parsons. At Corrick's Ford, he became the first Civil War general to be killed in action.

Adapted from an article by Lars Byrne.

Any questions or comments, or if you need more information, contact Lynne Snyder at (304)-823-3327 or  Kathy Hart at (304)-823-2557 or Write to Battle of Laurel Hill, Box 921, Belington, WV 26250.

Hope to see you for the 2004 Reenactment!

E-Mail: linalou@countryroadswv.com

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Last Updated December 29, 2000.